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.