Manchester City’s 1-1 draw against Everton provided Pep Guardiola with plenty of headaches.
The Citizens dominated possession but were forced to settle for a point after Romelu Lukaku’s goal was cancelled out by Nolito.
City don’t have a problem with creating chances. Maarten Stekelenburg produced an inspired performance between the sticks and it’s unlikely Guardiola’s team will ever be as wasteful again.
But when you make chances, you have to take them. Especially in the Premier League.
And opportunities to score don’t come any easier than from the penalty spot.
Michael Oliver gave City two penalties against Everton but both were saved by Stekelenburg. First, Kevin de Bruyne missed from 12 yards and then Sergio Aguero’s penalty woes continued when he saw his effort turned away by the Dutchman.
No prizes, then, for guessing the man of the match.
De Bruyne's miss
Aguero's miss
City don't practice penalties
If you think City’s players will spend the entirety of Monday’s training session practicing from 12 yards, think again.
“We don’t practice penalties,” Guardiola admitted, per BBC Sport reporter Simon Stoney. “At training there is no-one there. There is no pressure.”
Guardiola’s counterpart, Ronald Koeman, heaped praise on his goalkeeper afterwards.
“Maybe the goalkeeper played his best game ever,” Koeman said, per Stone. “Saving two penalties and the shot of De Bruyne."
Fans react
There’s still a long way to go in the Premier League season but if City go on to miss out on the title, Guardiola will certainly look back to today’s game.
Should Aguero continue to take penalties? Let us know in the comments section below!
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