Everton's players left Manchester City's stars frustrated and wound up with a performance loaded with spirit and fight.
There was a needle to this game that ran throughout the 101 minutes eventually played - 11 minutes added on at the end after a long stoppage when a linesman had to deal with an equipment problem. Two of the Premier League's most coveted players were booked for poor, unnecessary challenges - with Erling Haaland lucky not to see red.
His ongoing battle with Ben Godfrey was one of the themes of the match and the edge it gave to the wider game is one of several moments spotted during the trip down the M62 that deserve more attention now that dust has settled on a handy point for the Blues.
READ MORE: Demarai Gray sends Everton transfer message as Erling Haaland left frustrated
Focused Dominic Calvert-Lewin clutches his badge before kick-off
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is crucial to Everton's campaign. After the first part of his season was blighted by injury he is now back in action and started at Man City. His inclusion came after Lampard had confirmed he would be involved in the squad but had been cagey over whether he would start. When Everton 's players emerged from the tunnel before the start of the match they lined up ahead of the fair play handshake, as is standard.
What was notable was that Calvert-Lewin spent much of this time with his right hand across his chest, holding the club badge. Calvert-Lewin appeared focused as he stared forwards and held the crest for at least 30 seconds before the line was broken and the players began their pre-match routines.
Isaac Price makes the matchday squad moments before kick-off
When the teamsheet dropped an hour before kick-off there were plenty of surprises - including four changes to the starting line-up, a tactical switch and the absence of Yerry Mina and Anthony Gordon.
The pair were unavailable through illness it later emerged, and Lampard had suggested a few in the dressing room, himself included, had been under the weather at his press conference. One inclusion was Michael Keane, who warmed up with the squad. Yet at the last minute he was pulled out and replaced with teenage midfielder Isaac Price.
This was due to Keane feeling an issue with the back of his knee that he had been aware of the previous day during training. When the sensation returned at the Etihad he raised the alarm and was withdrawn. Everton are hopeful the issue is not serious and Keane is set to undergo a scan to investigate the problem.
Frank moves early with his subs
During the Boxing Day defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers it was notable how proactive the manager Julen Lopetegui was. He had made all five changes by the 78th minute and chased a win with intent. It came courtesy of stoppage time goal that involved three of those substitutes. In contrast, Lampard often appears more cautious with his changes.
This changed at City, with Lampard moving 17 minutes before Pep Guardiola. He introduced Neal Maupay and Seamus Coleman for Calvert-Lewin and Nathan Patterson after 70 minutes - which in reality was more like the hour mark after a long stoppage for the linesman suffering technical issues in the early stages of the second half.
The fresh legs were crucial at a time when Everton had just levelled and were about to face an onslaught from the hosts. Both battled well to help the away side hold on for a point.
Man City stars rattled by Everton's fight
Former referee Peter Walton alluded to this as he gave his verdict on whether Erling Haaland should have been sent off - saying there was an undercurrent to the game, an edge that kept revealing itself in poor challenges. One reason for Everton's success seems to have been that they got under the skin of their opponents.
This started in the opening seconds when Ben Godfrey challenged Haaland in the air and the striker went down hurt. He seemed to take exception to the incident and sought to wind Godfrey up throughout the match. Their battle was a highlight, but around it there were some nasty moments. Haaland's tackle on Vitalii Mykolenko, for which he was booked, was reckless. He has a long run up to the defender, both feet leave the ground and it is from behind. There is no justification for that and he was lucky to avoid a red.
The Norwegian then comically fled the scene as James Tarkowski and Jordan Pickford angrily converged on him.
Kevin de Bruyne was also involved - the usually serene midfielder leaving a really strange, late challenge on his Belgium teammate Amadou Onana that he received a booking for. Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva was booked for diving in the early stages after trying to win a foul from Nathan Patterson - who himself was left with a hole in socks after Jack Grealish caught him.
Vitalii Mykolenko's overlap should count as an assist
Demarai Gray's flash of brilliance earned Everton a point but he was given additional time and space because Mykolenko fought to catch up with him. As Gray carried the ball forward he was still surrounded by City players as he entered the box. Mykolenko's run down the outside distracted defenders and pulled one away from Gray, giving him the opportunity to correct himself after a slip before firing in.
Lampard is desperate for his full backs to offer more support to the wide players by making such runs. Everton were at their best this season against Crystal Palace when Mykolenko's advanced positions were notable - he did indeed play a crucial role in the second that day as a result. This was a welcome reminder of what can happen when Everton are more positive going forward.
Away fans steal the show
Everton's support has been sensational throughout 2022. During a year of more lows than highs on the road it is impressive that the travelling Blues have never failed to give their all for the team. The three tiers of away supporters at the Etihad were in fine form on New Year's Eve and for most of the game - even when losing - were the only ones that could be heard.
They deserved the opportunity to celebrate at the end after playing a major role in cheering on their players. Now Everton need to give them more opportunities to travel home happy in 2023.
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