Man City Blow Lead in 13-Minute Collapse to Draw at Everton, Handing Arsenal Title Control

Manchester City squandered a lead in a chaotic 13-minute spell during the second half of a six-goal thriller at Everton, a result that could cost them in the Premier League title race.

Pep Guardiola's team took the lead through Jeremy Doku's fine opener on Monday at Hill Dickinson Stadium. But they fell apart, conceding three times in quick succession: Thierno Barry scored twice, one gifted by a Marc Guehi error, and Jake O'Brien added a header.

Erling Haaland pulled one back right away. Doku then earned a point with a stunning late equalizer in the 97th minute. City ended with 83 points from a maximum tally this season, dropping two points to a side chasing a European spot.

The draw means Arsenal, on 76 points with a goal difference four better than City's, control their destiny. Three wins from their last three games will secure a first title since 2004. They could clinch as early as May 13 if results go their way: a win over West Ham on Sunday, followed by City losses to Brentford and Crystal Palace.

"It's better than losing," Guardiola said. "It shows what type of team they are. [The title is] not in our hands. Before it was, now it's not. We have games left. We will see what happens."

Arsenal's remaining fixtures are at West Ham, home to Burnley, and away to Palace on the final day, May 24. City face Bournemouth away three days after their FA Cup final, then home games against Brentford, Palace, and Aston Villa.

Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry said on Sky Sports: "I wouldn't be thinking 'we can afford to drop points now' if I was Arsenal, but it is back in their hands, that is a fact. I am going to stay in my lane, I am not going to celebrate too early. Nothing is done."

Henry added: "I am worried for the West Ham game. Like I was worried for Manchester City's match today."

BBC Sport pundit Wayne Rooney predicted on his podcast that Arsenal will win all their remaining league games and lift the title.

City's defense struggled after taking the lead. Guehi was at fault for Barry's opener, and Everton carved them open repeatedly. Fans who left early rushed back after Haaland's goal.

Guardiola said: "A really good performance. We played outstanding in the first half. Really, really good. In the second half, they made a step up and we maybe weren't as aggressive and after [that] we gave away the goal. They came back and made it a proper English game - so, so aggressive in the duels. But in general, we made a really good performance."

City have conceded eight goals from corners this season, as many as in their previous two campaigns combined. Since the turn of the year, they have dropped the joint-most points from winning positions in the league, matching Tottenham and Newcastle.

Everton manager David Moyes said: "I speak with Mikel [Arteta] now and again, but he has his own things to focus on. He has to win his own games but tonight I am disappointed because we were on the verge of taking three points against the best team - at the moment - in the Premier League."

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports: "I hope I'm right on this, but I go back to when Liverpool and City were competing for the title in 2014. City drew a game at home to [bottom club] Sunderland... and they scored late on. It felt like two points dropped but it was actually that point that won them the league. We won't know how important [Doku's] goal will be - who knows."