Stevan Jovetic of Manchester City takes a shot on goal as Leighton Baines of Everton atempts to block during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Manchester City at Goodison Park on January 10, 2015 © Getty Images

Within the first 10 minutes of the game, a marauding Seamus Coleman lost the ball midway into the City half, which led to the hosts counter-attacking and nearly opening the scoring through Stevan Jovetic.

Manuel Pellegrini's charges threatened again on the quarter-hour mark when Jesus Navas dragged his effort wide from eight yards out on the angle, after collecting David Silva's pass.

Everton, guilty of sloppy play in the early stages of the game, found themselves in a compromising position once again when Jovetic's run was not spotted by the Toffees defence, leading to the Montenegro striker getting to the edge of the area and firing just wide.

Manchester City's Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho celebrates scoring the opening goal with Manchester City's Spanish midfielder David Silva and Manchester City's Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero during the English Premier League football match between E © Getty Images

For all of Man City's hard work, however, the hosts caused a scare on the stroke of half time when Romelu Lukaku forced a save from Joe Hart before the ball broke to Coleman, whose subsequent shot rebounded off the post.

At the start of the second half, Everton were first to threaten as Ross Barkley curled a 25-yard free kick wide, while Lukaku raced towards goal after being played in by the England midfielder, but Hart saved smartly just before the hour.

Controversy then erupted in the 71st minute when the Man City keeper dropped the ball following pressure from Steven Naismith. Phil Jagielka made the most of the error to poke home, but the referee blew for a foul on Hart.

Everton players celebrate after Everton's Scottish striker Steven Naismith scores their equalising goal during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Manchester City at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on January 10, 2 © Getty Images

It would get even worse for the home side just minutes later as Fernandinho headed the ball into the Toffees net from close range following a swift counter-attack.

City's lead only lasted two minutes as Baines's whipped free kick from the left fell to Naismith, who rose highest to thump the ball past a stranded Hart and send the home crowd into a frenzy.

The visitors tried in vain to get themselves back in front late on, but Everton were able to hold on to secure a valuable point against the Premier League champions, who now find themselves two points behind table-topping Chelsea