The English football champions Manchester City have had to accept a setback in the fight to successfully defend their title. Coach Pep Guardiola’s team couldn’t get past a 1-1 (1-0) draw against Everton on Saturday. Goalscorer Erling Haaland gave the Citizens the lead in the 24th minute, but the guests managed to equalize through Demarai Gray (64th).
City start the new year in second place, but leaders Arsenal FC have already increased their lead to seven points after their pursuers slipped up. In the last league game of the year, the Gunners prevailed 4-2 (2-0) at Brighton & Hove Albion on New Year’s Eve. Arsenal’s goals came from Bukayo Saka (2′), Martin Odegaard (36′), Edward Nketiah (47′) and Gabriel Martinelli (71′). Kaoru Mitoma (65′) and Evan Ferguson (77′) scored for the hosts.
Manchester United stayed close to the top thanks to Marcus Rashford. The English team player scored away against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the 76th minute to make it 1-0. For United it was the fifth competitive win in a row, the team had last managed that in April 2021.
Rashford was initially on the bench for disciplinary reasons but was substituted on early in the second half. “No further details, our rules. We’re concentrating on the game,” coach Erik ten Hag said before the match and kept the reasons for his action to himself. Rashford’s supposed second goal in the final phase was disallowed after video evidence because he had illegally touched the ball with his left hand.