Man City fans immediately turn on ONE player after stunning Everton equaliser

Manchester City fans turned their frustration on defender Manuel Akanji after Everton’s stunning equaliser in their Boxing Day Premier League clash. The game, held at the Etihad Stadium, was crucial for Pep Guardiola’s side as they looked to end a disappointing run of two consecutive league defeats.

City started the game with intensity, dominating possession and creating chances. Their efforts bore fruit in the 14th minute when Bernardo Silva capitalized on Jeremy Doku’s clever assist to give the home side an early lead. The Etihad faithful roared in approval, hoping this would be the beginning of a convincing win.

However, Everton, under Sean Dyche’s management, showcased resilience. They absorbed City’s relentless pressure and struck back just before halftime. In the 36th minute, Iliman Ndiaye silenced the home crowd with a sensational strike to level the scoreline.

The goal, which came after an error from Manuel Akanji, became the focal point of criticism from Manchester City supporters. Abdoulaye Doucoure delivered a teasing cross into City’s penalty area, which Akanji failed to clear effectively. The ball found Ndiaye, who seized the opportunity to produce a moment of brilliance.

Social media platforms quickly lit up with comments from fans, who were less than pleased with Akanji’s role in the equaliser. One X user voiced their frustration, writing, “What are you doing, Akanji?” Another fan compared his defensive blunder to the infamous mistakes of Shkodran Mustafi, saying, “Akanji defending like Shkodran Mustafi.”

Criticism continued to pour in. A third fan commented, “That was poor defending from Akanji; Man City need to tighten up at the back.” Meanwhile, another supporter was more analytical, stating, “That was on Akanji more than Lewis, but just great play from Everton, to be honest.”

Despite their dominance in the first half, Manchester City struggled to regain control after the equaliser. Everton’s defense, led by Jordan Pickford, held firm, denying the hosts any clear-cut opportunities to retake the lead. Pickford’s heroics added to City’s frustration as the Toffees grew in confidence.

The blame on Akanji highlighted a growing concern among Manchester City fans regarding their defensive vulnerabilities. The team, known for its robust backline, has conceded several avoidable goals this season, with Akanji being a repeated point of contention.

Pep Guardiola, visibly animated on the touchline, made tactical adjustments in the second half, introducing reinforcements to bolster his attack. Despite the changes, City’s forwards failed to break down Everton’s disciplined defense. The game ended in a disappointing draw, extending City’s winless streak to three games.

Fans continued their criticism of Akanji post-match, with some calling for Guardiola to make changes to his defensive setup. One fan commented, “What was that from Akanji? Dominated the game and conceded from the first good chance for Everton!” Another added, “City can’t keep dropping points because of these defensive lapses.”

Everton, on the other hand, received praise for their resilience and tactical discipline. Ndiaye’s goal was hailed as a moment of brilliance, and Dyche’s defensive strategy earned widespread appreciation. The point earned at the Etihad was seen as a significant achievement for a side fighting to stay clear of relegation.

City’s struggles are not limited to defensive issues. Their attack, led by Erling Haaland, has also faced criticism. Haaland’s recent penalty miss against Everton added to his dry spell, with fans questioning his form. Guardiola now faces the challenge of reigniting his team’s confidence as they head into a crucial part of the season.

As the title race heats up, Guardiola and his players must address their defensive lapses and rediscover their attacking rhythm. While City remains one of the strongest teams in the league, their recent performances suggest that rivals are beginning to exploit their weaknesses.

For Everton, the draw serves as a morale booster, proving they can compete with the league’s elite. Dyche will look to build on this performance as his side seeks to climb the table. Ndiaye’s strike will be remembered as a pivotal moment in their campaign.

Manchester City fans, however, will hope for swift improvement. The team’s reputation for excellence has been built on consistency and resilience, and anything less will not satisfy their demanding supporters. Akanji, in particular, will be under the spotlight in the coming games as he looks to bounce back from this difficult moment.

The Boxing Day clash was a reminder of how small mistakes can have significant consequences, especially in a league as competitive as the Premier League. For City, the road to redemption begins with tightening their defense and delivering the kind of performances their fans expect.