Raheem Sterling’s volley salvaged a point for 10-man Manchester City as Everton were denied victory on the night Wayne Rooney scored his 200th Premier League goal.
City were left with an uphill battle after Rooney’s strike was followed by Kyle Walker’s dismissal after two quick bookings just 44 minutes into his home debut.
But Pep Guardiola’s side showed belief and spirit to avoid only their second home defeat under the Spaniard.
Rooney, 31, looked to have given Everton victory after he slid Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s square pass between City keeper Ederson’s legs from eight yards.
And the Toffees’ cause was helped when England full-back Walker slid in late on Leighton Baines and was then booked again, rather harshly, for catching Calvert-Lewin in the face as they competed for a high ball.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, the home side continued to press after the break and were rewarded when Sterling fired in Mason Holgate’s weak defensive header.
Everton also finished with 10 men when midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin was shown a second yellow card for catching Sergio Aguero late.
Rooney haunts City… again
Rooney became only the second player to score 200 Premier League goals – after former Blackburn and Newcastle striker Alan Shearer – when he put the visitors ahead after 35 minutes.
The former Manchester United forward cupped his ears in front of the home fans as he celebrated his second goal in two league matches since rejoining Everton.
Perhaps it was no surprise Rooney netted the landmark goal at Etihad Stadium, having also scored his 50th and 150th Premier League goals against United’s neighbours City.
However, the ease with which City’s new £35m keeper Ederson allowed his first-time shot in was more of a surprise.
“It is a good contact from Rooney, but you have to say it went straight at Ederson,” said former Toffees defender Phil Neville on BBC Radio 5 live. “You have to expect your keeper to save it.”
Rooney, who scored his first top-flight goal as a 16-year-old for the Toffees against Arsenal in October 2002, hit the double century in his 462nd league match in front of his former Red Devils managers Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho.
Ultimately, the England international did not prove to be the match-winner like he was against Stoke last weekend – but he was still smiling at the final whistle as the early part of his Everton return continues to be fruitful.