Enzo Fernandez was the hero for managerless Chelsea, who put Enzo Maresca's departure behind them to draw 1-1 with Manchester City.
2025/2026 Premier League
1-1
Match Report
Sunday's Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium came just three days after Chelsea parted company with Maresca in a shock move.
While Liam Rosenior is reportedly a frontrunner to take charge, Calum McFarlane was tasked with overseeing the trip to face City, who were aiming to close the gap on leaders Arsenal.
Instead, City are now six points back from the Gunners after Fernandez bundled home in the 94th minute.
Pep Guardiola's team had taken the lead in the 42nd minute via Tijjani Reijnders, who thundered in a brutal left-footed finish.
Erling Haaland had earlier hit the woodwork, but despite creating plenty of promising openings after the interval, City could not make those moments count.
They were punished when a second-string defence, rocked by an injury to Josko Gvardiol, failed to clear Malo Gusto's cross, with Fernandez on hand to finish at the second attempt.
A late equaliser earns us a point! #CFC | #MCICHE pic.twitter.com/W7e9JDci27
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 4, 2026
Data Debrief: Fired up Fernandez delivers
Fernandez has now netted six goals in the league this term, equalling his total from last season, and while Cole Palmer struggled to get into the game against his former club (managing only one shot and failing to create a chance), the Argentine shone in midfield.
With three shots, Fernandez trailed only Haaland (five) in that metric, while he led the Chelsea team for touches in the opposition box (four) and chances created (two).
City had 14 shots, but only managed to accumulate 0.99 expected goals. Chelsea, meanwhile, tallied up 1.73 xG from their eight attempts, suggesting they created a higher calibre of chances.
Match Events
0' The match is about to start!
11' Cherki is taken down by James
13' Enzo's crucial clearance
20' Estevao with an effort blocked by Josko Gvardiol on the penalty spot
20' Phil Foden narrowly wide having cut inside onto his left foot from 14 yards!
24' Mistimed tackle by BSilva on Badiashile, ref blows for a foul
28' Haaland wins a header but ball sails harmlessly wide
36' Silva with ManCity's latest effort weaving into the penalty area from wide right
38' Haaland with a deflected effort from the edge of penalty area
39' Haaland with a fantastic curler off his left foot!
42' Reijnders smashes it at Jorgensen's near post! Man City 1-0 Chelsea
49' Huge chance for Chelsea to equalise through Neto, but his effort is wide
51' Sub: Abdukodir Khusanov replaces Josko Gvardiol (injured)
56' Lovely last-ditch tackle by Josh to prevent an absolutely rampaging Haaland
58' The way Haaland gets to run unimpeded through midfield into the final third
62' Delap coming on for Pedro. Hato coming in for Acheampong
70' Hato makes a key tackle
72' Delap shows good strength to drive past City defense and gets a shot off ,saved
79' Delap lashed out at Khusanov with a stupid little push
89' Palmer misses the cleanest and possible the easiest chance to equalize here
95' GOAL! Man City 1-1 Chelsea
Line-ups
Man City XI: Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, Donnarumma, Rodri, Haaland, Foden, Reijnders, Matheus Nunes, Cherki, Gvardiol, Nico O'Reilly
Subs: Ake, James Trafford, Doku, Lewis, Abdukodir Khusanov, Reigan Heskey, Stephen Mfuni, Divine Mukasa, Ryan McAidoo
Chelsea XI: Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James, Pedro Neto, Badiashile, Cole Palmer, Jørgensen, João Pedro, Enzo, Gusto, Josh Acheampong, Estêvão
Subs: Adarabioyo, Gabriel Slonina, Garnacho, Liam Delap, Gittens, Jorrel Hato, Andrey Santos, Max Merrick, Guiu