Manchester City went into Saturday's clash with Everton at the Etihad Stadium knowing that a win would see them temporarily go back to the top of the Premier League table.

However, they had to settle for a share of the spoils after Marouane Fellaini's opener was cancelled out by a Carlos Tevez penalty.

Sports Mole takes a closer look at the contest as City maintained their unbeaten start in the league.

strong>Match statistics:

Man City:
Shots 9
On target 6
Possession 57%
Corners 5
Fouls 16

Everton:
Shots 8
On target 5
Possession 43%
Corners 2
Fouls 12

Was the result fair?

Most certainly. Both teams created a number of chances, but it was Everton who impressed the most with an excellent team effort against a City side that doesn't know when to lie down.

Man City's performance

The champions showed more attacking intent than they have done in recent matches, but they grew frustrated with Everton's defensive doggedness. David Silva, Yaya Toure and Carlos Tevez provided much of the dynamism, but Samir Nasri, Gareth Barry and Edin Dzeko were well below par.

Everton's performance

The Toffees were superb in all areas of the pitch and they fully deserved a point. While the defence stayed stoic, the midfield gave Nikica Jelavic plenty of support as the lone striker. Tim Howard earned his corn in goal, too.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Marouane Fellaini: The Belgian was a monstrous presence in midfield. While doing his part to help out at the back, he also gave City plenty to deal with in the final third. There really is no other player like him in the Premier League.

Biggest gaffe

The penalty decision. It's still unclear whether Fellaini or Leon Osman were at fault for grappling with Edin Dzeko, but it's a soft one whichever way you look at it.

Referee performance

Lee Probert was solid at the centre of a whirlwind encounter, but his card should be marked down for the penalty call.

What next?

Man City: Roberto Mancini's side will try to salvage a Europa League place when they travel to German champions Borussia Dortmund in their final Champions League group game on Tuesday.

Everton: The Toffees face another tough Premier League test in the form of Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park next Sunday.