Enzo Fernandez struck deep into stoppage time to rescue managerless Chelsea a 1-1 draw at Manchester City, halting City’s push towards Arsenal. The Premier League contest at Etihad Stadium on 4 January
2026 ended with City six points behind the leaders after the dramatic late leveller.
The match came only three days after Chelsea parted ways with Enzo Maresca in a surprise decision, leaving Calum McFarlane in temporary charge. Liam Rosenior is widely reported as the favourite for the permanent role, but McFarlane handled preparations for this demanding away fixture.
Fernandez’s goal arrived in the 94th minute after sustained Chelsea pressure. Malo Gusto swung in a cross that City’s makeshift backline failed to clear, following an injury to Josko Gvardiol. Fernandez’s first effort was blocked, yet the midfielder reacted quickest to bundle the rebound past the goalkeeper.
Pep Guardiola’s side had seemed on course for victory after Tijjani Reijnders opened the scoring in the 42nd minute. Reijnders collected the ball on the edge of the area and drove a fierce left-footed strike beyond the Chelsea keeper, capping City’s best spell of the first half.
Earlier, Erling Haaland had gone close when a powerful effort struck the woodwork. City generated several promising attacks after half-time, with Haaland continuing to threaten, but their final ball and finishing lacked precision. Those wasted chances proved costly once Chelsea gained belief in the closing stages.
Fernandez was Chelsea’s standout performer, both in numbers and influence. The Argentina midfielder recorded three attempts on goal, fewer only than Haaland’s five. Fernandez also led Chelsea for touches inside City’s penalty area with four, and created two chances, as Chelsea grew stronger in midfield control.
Cole Palmer, facing former club City, had a quieter evening. Palmer registered just one shot and did not create a chance, which limited Chelsea’s threat in open play for long spells. However, Chelsea’s overall chance quality remained high, reflecting the team’s efficiency when opportunities did appear.
Chelsea finished with eight shots and an expected goals figure of 1.73, indicating strong opportunities despite fewer overall attempts. City had 14 efforts but produced only 0.99 expected goals, underlining their difficulty in turning pressure into clear chances against Chelsea’s defensive structure.
Fernandez’s late strike was also his sixth Premier League goal of the season, matching his total from the previous campaign. The equaliser highlighted Chelsea’s resolve during a period of managerial uncertainty and left City frustrated, with crucial points dropped in the race to catch Arsenal at the top.
A late equaliser earns us a point! #CFC | #MCICHE pic.twitter.com/W7e9JDci27Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 4, 2026
| Team | Goals | Shots | Expected Goals (xG) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester City | 1 | 14 | 0.99 |
| Chelsea | 1 | 8 | 1.73 |
