Three things learned from Everton’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City

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Everton secured an important draw against Manchester City yesterday at the Etihad Stadium.

Everton’s MOTM Maarten Stekelenburg

Everton managed to prevent the league leaders from securing three points by putting in an excellent defensive performance.

The Blues went into the game as underdogs, and despite City dominating the game, the Toffees held on to a 1-1 draw. Romelu Lukaku fired the Blues ahead with a terrific goal, but City levelled shortly after with a Nolito header from David Silva’s cross. Everton keeper Maarten Stekelenburg also saved two penalties from Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero either side of Lukaku’s goal, keeping the Toffees in the game.

Here are three things we learned from Everton’s performance over the weekend:

Stek saves the day

Anyone who had doubted this man has been proven wrong. Maarten Stekelenburg was without doubt the man of the match for Everton. Without Stekelenburg, City would have easily won the game, as his two penalty saves denied City taking the lead.

In a performance that will surely go down has one of the keeper’s best, not only did the Dutchman save two penalties, he also prevented Kelechi Iheanacho from scoring by sticking his leg out to deny a goal. Stekelenburg was on fire and didn’t put a foot wrong.

Lukaku – a player of two halves

Everton’s Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring

Romelu Lukaku’s first half performance was unrecognisable from the second. In the first 45 minutes, the striker may as well not have been on the pitch; his contribution to the game was non-existent. Whatever Ronald Koeman said to the 23-year-old at half-time clearly worked though, as Lukaku secured his sixth goal of the season with a great finish.

Lukaku is a frustration to all watching, as fans never know which player they are going to get. The striker needs competition to keep him on his toes. With that said, the Blues need Lukaku’s goals to fire them up the table.

Ashley Williams – best defender on the pitch

Everton’s Ashley Williams in action with Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero

Everton’s outstanding defensive record this season continues as Ronald Koeman’s men are still yet to go a league game without conceding more than a single goal. The Toffees’ back four all deserve credit. However, Ashley Williams was the stand out man. The Welshman made 13 clearances yesterday – more than any other defender on the pitch.

Williams is a big presence in the box, and the 32-year-old’s leadership and willingness to put his body on the line is a breath of fresh air to watch. In the short time that Williams has spent at Goodison Park, he has already proven what a top class defender he is. With Williams in their side, Everton do not miss John Stones one bit.