Enzo Fernandez scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser as managerless Chelsea earned a 1-1 draw at Manchester City, dealing a significant blow to the champions’ Premier League title challenge.
City looked set to claim a hard-earned victory at the Etihad Stadium after Tijjani Reijnders’ first-half goal, but Fernandez had the final say late on, capitalising in added time to silence the home crowd and leave Pep Guardiola’s side six points adrift of leaders Arsenal.
The result came amid a turbulent week for Chelsea, who arrived in Manchester still reeling from the sudden departure of head coach Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day. In his absence, Under-21s coach Calum McFarlane was thrust into the spotlight and handed one of the toughest assignments in English football a trip to face the reigning champions.
With Liam Rosenior expected to be confirmed imminently as Maresca’s successor, McFarlane is likely to return to his academy role, but not before overseeing a result that lifted spirits at Stamford Bridge and disrupted City’s momentum at the top end of the table.
City controlled much of the contest but found Chelsea stubborn and well-organised despite their off-field uncertainty. The hosts began to increase the pressure after Estevao had an early effort blocked for Chelsea, with Phil Foden dragging a shot wide following some clever footwork in the area.
As the first half wore on, City stepped up the tempo. Bernardo Silva curled an effort over the bar, Erling Haaland saw a deflected shot pushed away by Filip Jorgensen, and Rodri making his first start since October began to dictate proceedings from midfield. The Spaniard later won possession to set up Haaland, whose effort struck the post.
The breakthrough arrived three minutes before half-time. Rayan Cherki’s attempted pass towards Haaland was intercepted but rebounded into the path of Reijnders, who calmly shifted past Benoit Badiashile before smashing a powerful finish beyond Jorgensen.
Chelsea responded after the interval and went close to levelling when Pedro Neto failed to convert after good work from Fernandez and Cole Palmer. City, meanwhile, were dealt a setback when Josko Gvardiol limped off injured, with Chelsea captain Reece James helping the defender from the pitch in a moment of sportsmanship.
Haaland continued to threaten, driving at the Chelsea defence before being denied by Badiashile, while former City striker Liam Delap tested Gianluigi Donnarumma at the other end. Tensions flared late on after Delap shoved Abdukodir Khusanov into the advertising boards, prompting heated exchanges between players from both sides.
As the match entered stoppage time, Chelsea pushed forward with renewed urgency. Their persistence was rewarded when Malo Gusto drove a low ball into the box and Fernandez reacted quickest, forcing the ball home after an initial block from Donnarumma.
For City, the late concession was a costly one in the context of the title race. For Chelsea, it was a defiant response to a week of upheaval and a reminder that, even in transition, they remain capable of shaping the Premier League narrative.
