MANCHESTER -- Ronald Koeman claimed Manchester City were the best team he has ever faced as a manager after his Everton side earned a 1-1 draw at the Etihad.
The Dutchman was grateful to keeper Maarten Stekelenburg, who saved two penalties and made a brilliant fingertip save from Kevin De Bruyne as City dominated possession.
But Koeman admits his side wouldn't have deserved to have held on for a win after taking a 64th-minute lead through Romelu Lukaku and says they struggled to compete with City's high-pressing game.
"They played fantastic football, good movement, not really open chances because I think the organisation defensive-wise was fantastic of Everton," the former Ajax, Benfica and Valencia coach told a news conference.
"We changed to a 4-4-2 diamond in the midfield and controlled a bit better but we were not dangerous.
"Maybe the goalkeeper played his best game ever -- we know he is a very good goalkeeper -- saving two penalties and two more shots of De Bruyne.
"Maybe you need luck to get a result but I think we get a result today because the fighting spirit was amazing.
"It is the best team of my managerial career we played against, really high tempo, we make some mistakes because the pressing was so high.
"I'm pleased with the point. We didn't deserve more, I know. Maybe we didn't deserve one, counting chances, two penalties missed but football is unpredictable and the key to get a point was the belief and the workrate of the players."
Everton had led through Lukaku's brilliant individual strike but Nolito snatched a point for the home side with a 72nd-minute header.
But Koeman was impressed by Lukaku's quality as he made a powerful run from his own half before beating Claudio Bravo with a neat finish.
"We know Romelu Lukaku is one of the best strikers because he is strong, keeps the ball and, normally, if he gets a chance, he scores a goal," the Dutchman added.
"The movement in one against one and to his left, how he finished is world class."