The Belgian striker had put Everton in front at the Etihad, before Nolito grabbed an equaliser for Manchester City.
Romelu Lukaku has admitted to the Liverpool Echo that Everton were lucky to leave the Etihad Stadium with a point on Saturday.
The Belgian striker put the Toffees in front in the second half with a brilliant counter-attacking goal, but could not hang on for victory, with substitute Nolito heading home an equaliser for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Everton were heavily reliant on goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, who saved two penalties as well as pulling off another pair of sensational saves to keep his side in the game.
Everton’s Maarten Stekelenburg saves a penalty from Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero
“I think we have to be lucky with one point. City were good – they have top quality players. We have to be happy with the draw and keep going,” Lukaku told the Liverpool Echo.
“Be as a team – that’s what told each other at half time. We had to encourage each other and be positive.”
While they probably were lucky to get a point against Manchester City, the Toffees’ resolute defence combined with their goalkeepers heroics will have given them confidence that they can do well this season and compete alongside the Premier League’s top teams.
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring their first goal
Ronald Koeman’s side have now taken points from Manchester City and Tottenham, two of the top three at this early stage in the season.
The draw leaves Everton in seventh, four points off stop spot. If Lukaku continues his sensational scoring form, then Everton could do something special this season under Koeman, who has fixed the defensive problems that haunted the club during Roberto Martinez’s tenure as manager.
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku scores their first goal
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