Enzo Fernández secured a goal in added time, leveling the score for Chelsea, who, without a permanent manager, managed a 1-1 tie against Manchester City, a team vying for the league title.
The London side overcame a period of considerable upheaval after Enzo Maresca’s unexpected exit on the first day of the new year, hindering City’s ambitions of closing the gap on Arsenal, who lead the Premier League.
Tijjani Reijnders had positioned the host team for what appeared to be a difficult victory at the Etihad Stadium by scoring in the late moments of the opening period, but Fernandez ultimately determined the outcome.
This outcome marked a success for Calum McFarlane, Chelsea’s Under-21 coach, who was unexpectedly propelled into prominence and given the difficult assignment of confronting the highly accomplished Pep Guardiola.
As Liam Rosenior’s appointment as Maresca’s successor is anticipated shortly, McFarlane is now probable to resume his regular duties, yet he will do so with a newfound sense of enthusiasm.
This outcome places City trailing the Gunners by six points at the top of the standings.
McFarlane, already missing Moisés Caicedo due to a ban, discovered his challenge intensified when defender Marc Cucurella and goalkeeper Robert Sánchez were declared unavailable due to physical ailments.
City held the superior position but encountered difficulty penetrating Chelsea’s resolute defense during a cautious start, and it was the visiting team that created the initial chance when Estevao’s attempt was obstructed.
This encouraged City to accelerate their play, and Phil Foden displayed skillful movement within the penalty box before sending a shot off target.
The speed of the game increased even more as the interval neared, with Bernardo Silva sending a curved shot high, followed by Erling Haaland having a redirected strike batted clear by Filip Jorgensen.
Rodri, appearing in the starting lineup for the first time since October, became more impactful, winning possession to set up Haaland for another scoring opportunity, but the Norwegian’s effort was thwarted by the upright.
The initial goal materialized three minutes prior to the break when Rayan Cherki’s intended delivery for Haaland was intercepted and then ricocheted directly to Reijnders.
The Netherlands international capitalized on the situation, maneuvering past Benoît Badiashile prior to powerfully striking the ball beyond Jorgensen.
Chelsea came near to equalizing following halftime, but Pedro Neto squandered the opportunity after effective play from Fernandez and Cole Palmer.
City experienced a setback when Josko Gvardiol exited the match with a noticeable limp due to injury, though a moment of admirable sportsmanship occurred as Chelsea’s captain Reece James assisted the Croatian off the pitch.
Haaland charged towards Chelsea’s defensive line before seeing his shot obstructed by Badiashile, and ex-City forward Liam Delap compelled a stop from Gianluigi Donnarumma at the opposing goal.
Delap exhibited his exasperation by shoving Abdukodir Khusanov against the advertising barriers subsequent to another fruitless sprint, leading to players from both teams engaging in intense verbal confrontations.
Chelsea started to display increased resolve as the clock dwindled, and their efforts paid off when Malo Gusto sent the ball into the penalty area during injury time, with Fernandez seizing the opportunity even after being initially thwarted by Donnarumma.
