Predictions
Fernandez Rescues Point as Managerless Chelsea Hold Manchester City
Enzo Fernández struck deep into stoppage time as managerless Chelsea claimed a dramatic 1-1 draw away to title-chasing Manchester City.
The Blues shrugged off a chaotic few days following Enzo Maresca’s sudden departure on New Year’s Day, producing a resilient display to dent City’s hopes of closing the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal.
City appeared on course for a hard-fought victory after Tijjani Reijnders opened the scoring late in the first half at the Etihad Stadium. However, Fernández had the final word, pouncing late to silence the home crowd.
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McFarlane Impresses in the Dugout
It was a memorable night for Chelsea’s Under-21 coach Calum McFarlane, who was thrust into the spotlight and tasked with leading the first team against Pep Guardiola’s side at short notice.
With Liam Rosenior expected to be confirmed imminently as Maresca’s replacement, McFarlane is likely to return to his usual role — but he will do so having earned significant credit.
The result leaves Manchester City six points adrift of Arsenal at the top of the table.
City Dominate Early but Chelsea Stay Firm
McFarlane’s task was made tougher by the absence of Moisés Caicedo (suspension) and injuries to Marc Cucurella and Robert Sánchez, forcing Chelsea into further reshuffles.
City dominated possession but initially struggled to break down a disciplined Chelsea defence. The visitors even threatened first, with Estevão seeing an effort blocked.
That chance sparked City into life. Phil Foden dragged a shot wide after some neat footwork, while Bernardo Silva curled an effort over the bar as the tempo increased.
Erling Haaland was denied by Filip Jorgensen, and later struck the post after being released by Rodri, who was making his first start since October and growing in influence.
Reijnders Breaks the Deadlock
The breakthrough arrived three minutes before half-time. Rayan Cherki’s attempted pass for Haaland was intercepted but rebounded kindly for Reijnders, who skipped past Benoît Badiashile and fired emphatically past Jorgensen.
Late Chelsea Pressure Pays Off
Chelsea went close to equalising after the break when Pedro Neto failed to capitalise on excellent work from Fernández and Cole Palmer.
City suffered a setback when Joško Gvardiol was forced off injured, with a show of sportsmanship from Reece James, who helped the defender from the pitch.
At both ends, chances followed. Haaland had another effort blocked by Badiashile, while former City striker Liam Delap tested Gianluigi Donnarumma at the other end.
Tempers flared late on, with Delap booked after shoving Abdukodir Khusanov into the advertising hoardings following a frustrating run.
Fernandez Delivers Late Drama
As stoppage time approached, Chelsea pushed forward with renewed urgency. Their persistence was rewarded when Malo Gusto drove into the box, and Fernández reacted quickest after Donnarumma’s initial save to slot home the equaliser.
It was a fitting end to a turbulent week for Chelsea — and a reminder that, despite the off-field uncertainty, the quality within the squad remains undeniable.
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