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Wayne Rooney enjoys 'sweet moment' after netting 200th Premier League goal

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Wayne Rooney admitted Everton were left frustrated after throwing away a 1-0 lead at Manchester City

Wayne Rooney says it was a "sweet moment" to score his 200th Premier League goal against Manchester City.

The Everton forward managed to put a smile on the face of his former club Manchester United as well as his current one on Monday evening by opening the scoring at City, a strike that was cancelled out late on by substitute Raheem Sterling as the match finished 1-1.

200 up for Rooney
200 up for Rooney

Watch Wayne Rooney's landmark 200th Premier League goal

Asked how sweet it was scoring at the Etihad Stadium, the Everton forward said with a laugh: "What, again?

"Of course, it was nice obviously with my history with Manchester United. I've scored a few times here.

"To do it today in such an important game for us, so early in the season, we've got tough games coming up, it was a sweet moment and I am sure the red half of Manchester will have enjoyed that one as well."

I am sure I will speak to Gareth Southgate over the next few days and we'll have a conversation and see what happens.
Wayne Rooney

It was another promising display from rejuvenated Rooney, who ran further than any other Everton player on Monday evening.

"Well, it is not bad for someone who is not fit anymore and can't get about the pitch," he told Sky Sports.

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"No, I have always put a shift in for the team, I've always done that, and tonight was no different.

"Obviously towards the end it was getting tough for us, they were putting a lot of pressure, but I think it was a good result for us.

"We'll go back, look at it, and see what we could have done better, especially when they had 10 men."

Wayne Rooney
Image: Rooney is congratulated after opening the scoring at the Etihad Stadium

Last season's lack of match fitness and form meant Rooney was omitted from England's last two meet-ups.

The squad for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia will be named on Thursday and manager Gareth Southgate was at the Etihad Stadium for Monday's game.

"We'll see," Rooney said of his England chances. "I am focusing on Everton.

"I am sure I will speak to Gareth Southgate over the next few days and we'll have a conversation and see what happens."

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Everton manager Ronald Koeman was disappointed at letting a lead slip against 10-man Manchester City

Everton boss Ronald Koeman praised Rooney after the match but was less complimentary about the refereeing display of Bobby Madley at the Etihad Stadium.

City's Kyle Walker harshly received a second yellow having been adjudged to have floored Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the first half, with Morgan Schneiderlin picking up a second booking late in the game.

"It's one side it's maybe, out of the position of the referee, coming from the back of the player," Koeman said of Schneiderlin's sending-off.

"But I was in a good position, in a better position about the second yellow of Walker and in my opinion he played the ball.

"But, you know, away against City, he's sending off one player of City and a difficult situation.

"You know what the referee will do then, a yellow and his second - it's red. You can expect that."

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola claimed it was two points dropped against Everton but admitted he is proud of how his side clinched a point

City counterpart Pep Guardiola was less forthcoming on the decision to send off home debutant Walker.

"You cannot ask," the City boss said with a smile. "Next question, please.

"I am not going to talk about referees, please. It was so clear so I don't want to with the referees."

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