A dramatic stoppage-time equaliser from Enzo Fernández stunned Manchester City, reignited the Premier League title race, and unexpectedly sent Arsenal fans into celebration. The 1–1 draw in Round 20 of the 2025/26 Premier League delivered ripple effects across the table, benefiting Arsenal and keeping Chelsea firmly in contention for the top four.
Manchester City in Control — Until the Final Moments
Manchester City looked on course for a routine home win at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola’s side dominated possession in the first half, moving the ball with precision and confidence. Their pressure paid off when Tijjani Reijnders finished a well-worked team move to give the champions the lead.
With the crowd in full voice and City controlling the tempo, it felt like another night of authority from the reigning holders as they continued their pursuit of the league leaders.
Chelsea Dig Deep and Stay Alive
Despite instability on the touchline and Calum McFarlane temporarily in charge, Chelsea refused to fold. The Blues defended with discipline and relied on quick transitions through Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto.
Clear chances were limited, but Chelsea’s resilience disrupted City’s rhythm and gradually increased the tension inside the stadium something Etihad regulars aren’t accustomed to.
Enzo Fernández Delivers a Stunning Late Twist
As the clock ticked down, City pushed for a second goal. Phil Foden struck the post, while goalkeeper Filip Jörgensen produced several key saves to keep Chelsea alive.
Then came the decisive moment in the 94th minute.
A cross from Malo Gusto took a deflection off Nathan Aké, looping awkwardly into the six-yard box. Enzo Fernández, completely unmarked, reacted first and calmly tapped the ball home. The stadium fell silent as the Argentine sprinted toward the away end, while Chelsea players erupted in celebration.
No Arsenal fan will skip this Enzo Fernandez pic.
Baller ❤️ pic.twitter.com/XM6Ckf90qP
— Arsenal Team (@_ArsenalTeam) January 4, 2026
Arsenal Fans Celebrate Chelsea’s Equaliser
The impact of Fernández’s goal was felt far beyond Manchester. In North London, Arsenal supporters celebrated the result as if it were their own victory. Social media platforms, especially X, were flooded with memes, thank-you posts, and reactions from delighted Gunners fans.
City’s dropped points significantly boost Arsenal’s title hopes. Following their win over Bournemouth, Arsenal now sit on 48 points, opening a six-point lead at the top of the table.
Title Race Heats Up as Chelsea Gain Momentum
While Aston Villa continue to monitor the situation closely, the draw makes the task of catching Arsenal increasingly difficult.
For Manchester City, frustration lingered after full-time. Pep Guardiola cited missed chances and unfortunate deflections as decisive factors in the outcome.
Chelsea, meanwhile, leave the Etihad encouraged. The result lifts them to fifth place, strengthens belief within the squad, and provides optimism ahead of the appointment of a permanent manager.
A Single Goal with League-Wide Consequences
Enzo Fernández’s late strike didn’t just rescue a point it reshaped the Premier League narrative. Arsenal gain breathing room, City lose ground, and Chelsea reassert themselves as serious contenders in a title race that is suddenly more unpredictable than ever.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
