Enzo Fernandez dealt a blow to Manchester City’s Premier League title aspirations with a 94th-minute equalizer to snatch a 1-1 draw for managerless Chelsea at the Etihad. Chelsea, competing under caretaker under-21 coach Calum McFarlane following the dismissal of Enzo Maresca on Thursday, showed unexpected resilience to frustrate the defending champions during a week of much internal upheaval.
City welcomed Rodri back for his first start since early October, and the midfielder immediately influenced the tempo of the match. Despite a sluggish opening 20 minutes, the home side dominated the first half, with Filip Jorgensen; making his first league start for Chelsea, producing a brilliant save to deny Erling Haaland.
Haaland later struck the inside of the post, but the pressure finally told in the 42nd minute. Tijjani Reijnders wriggled clear in the box and blasted a powerful shot past Jorgensen at his near post to hand City a deserved lead at the break.
The second half featured a spirited display from a Chelsea squad that appeared united despite the coaching vacancy. Caretaker boss McFarlane, who had never managed a senior game, noted after the match that "everyone thought we were coming here to lose," but he credited the leadership of Reece James and Enzo Fernandez for steadying the ship.
Chelsea targeted City's backline after Josko Gvardiol was forced off with an ankle injury, though Pedro Neto wasted a point-blank opportunity to level the score shortly after the restart.
Injury concerns worsened for Guardiola as Ruben Dias was also forced off, leaving City with a makeshift defense and a bench featuring four academy players. Guardiola expressed concern over the mounting injury list, stating, "If Ruben is out it is because he felt something... Have you seen the bench today? Four players from the academy and now we will have more. We don’t have players."
While City pushed for a second goal, Haaland’s rare barren run continued, with the striker now failing to score in his last three matches. Substitute Liam Delap provided a fresh spark for Chelsea, testing Gianluigi Donnarumma from a narrow angle.
The drama peaked in the fourth minute of stoppage time when Malo Gusto's deflected cross fell to Enzo Fernandez at the back post. After his initial effort was saved by Donnarumma, the Argentine midfielder reacted quickest to prod home the rebound at the third attempt.
Fernandez’s seventh goal of the season sparked wild celebrations in the away enclosure. "To come to Manchester City away as your first first-team game is difficult," captain Reece James said. "We had to adapt fast. We fought as a team, and I am proud of the boys."
The draw means City only moves back into second place on goal difference ahead of Aston Villa. Guardiola remains focused on the recovery, insisting, "After what happened last season, if we stay strong we will find a solution and the spirit will be there."
For Chelsea, the result provides momentum ahead of the potential appointment of Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior. McFarlane concluded his stint in the spotlight with pride, calling the experience of coaching against Guardiola "the stuff you dream about" and noting that Pep was "really respectful and really polite" during their post-game handshake.