Manchester City’s hopes for a seventh Premier League title in nine years suffered a significant blow after a chaotic 3-3 draw against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Despite a stoppage-time equalizer from Jeremy Doku, the result hands the destiny of the title race back to Arsenal.

Pep Guardiola’s side appeared to be in total control during a dominant first half. The pressure paid off in the 43rd minute when Jeremy Doku curled a spectacular effort into the top corner following a pass from Rayan Cherki.

However, the second half saw a complete “implosion” from the visitors:

• Defensive Errors: An underhit pass from Marc Guehi allowed Thierno Barry to slot home the equalizer.
• Everton Surge: Jake O’Brien powered home a header from a corner to put the Toffees ahead, followed shortly by a second goal from Barry to make it 3-1.
• Late Rescue: Erling Haaland quickly halved the deficit before Doku struck again in the 97th minute to salvage a point.

The draw leaves Manchester City five points adrift of Arsenal, although they still hold a game in hand. The advantage now sits firmly with Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, who only need to win their remaining three fixtures to clinch their first league title in 22 years.

Arsenal’s final stretch includes a trip to West Ham followed by a home game against Burnley, before concluding the season at Crystal Palace.

While the draw was a moral victory for Everton, Doku’s last-minute “dagger” severely dented their hopes of securing European football for next season. The Toffees had capitalized on uncharacteristic mistakes from City’s defense, including errors by Matheus Nunes and Abdukodir Khusanov, but ultimately could not hold on for the full three points.