Chelsea rescue a point against Man City thanks to Enzo Fernandez''s late equalizer
January 4, 2026
279d agoManchester City's Premier League title hopes were dealt a severe blow in dramatic fashion, as a 93rd-minute equalizer from Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández snatched a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The result leaves Pep Guardiola's reigning champions six points behind leaders Arsenal with time running out in the season, turning what seemed a certain victory into a devastating setback.
The match unfolded under a stark contrast in dugout leadership. Chelsea, in turmoil following the recent departure of manager Enzo Maresca, were led by interim Under-21s coach Calum McFarlane. He set his team up in a resilient, compact shape to frustrate the hosts. Despite enjoying over 70% possession and creating a string of chances, City found Chelsea's defense and goalkeeper Jorgensen difficult to break down for much of the first half.
The deadlock was finally broken on the stroke of halftime through an unlikely source. Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, arriving late into the box, connected perfectly with a cut-back pass. He unleashed a powerful, left-footed drive that arrowed into the bottom corner, scoring his third goal in as many starts and sending the home crowd into jubilant celebrations.
The second half saw Manchester City continue to dominate but fail to find the crucial second goal to kill the game. Erling Haaland was denied by a fine save.
As the clock ticked into stoppage time, City appeared to be professionally seeing out a hard-fought, vital win to keep pressure on Arsenal at the top.
However, Chelsea produced a moment of sheer drama in the fourth minute of added time. Substitute Malo Gusto burst down the right flank and fired a low cross into a crowded penalty area. Fernández's first effort was superbly saved by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, but the Argentine was quickest to react, scrambling the rebound over the line to spark bedlam among the traveling Chelsea supporters and disbelief around the rest of the stadium.
The ramifications of the late goal are significant for both clubs. For Manchester City, dropping five points from their last two games represents a major stumble in the title race, with Guardiola also facing a defensive injury crisis as Josko Gvardiol and Rúben Dias limped off. For Chelsea, the spirited and resilient point provides a massive boost, lifting them to fifth in the table and offering a foundation of pride for the squad amid a period of off-field uncertainty.
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