Midfielder, Enzo Fernandez, found the back of the net in a stoppage-time equaliser as Chelsea clinched a well deserved point in the Premier League match against title-chasing Manchester City on Sunday 4 January, 2025 at Etihad Stadium.
Following the exit of Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s under-21s coach, Calum McFarlane, took control of the first team on an interim basis.
Despite being behind, Chelsea frustrated Pep Guardiola’s Cityzens for a large periods, before Argentina player, Fernandez, netted for the Blues in the 4th minute of additional time.
It was Tijjani Rejinders that scored for the home side in the 42nd minute, however, consecutive draws mean, City have fallen six (6) points behind toppers, Arsenal, on the table.
The Blues kicked off nicely in the second 45 minutes with Pedro Neto close to finding the net, while substitute Liam Delap’s effort hit the chest of goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, before Fernandez’ late goal forced fans of Chelsea into heavy celebration late.
Result:
| Premier League 2025/26 – Sunday 4 January, 2025 |
| Leeds United 1-1 Manchester United |
| Everton 2-4 Brentford |
| Newcastle United 2-0 Crystal Palace |
| Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Sunderland |
| Fulham 2-2 Liverpool |
| Mamchester City 1-1 Chelsea |
Prior to the clash, interim head coach, McFarlane, described Manchester City as a “good team” in “good form”. He also described Guardiola as a “great manager”.
McFarlane said, his mission was to “prepare” the Blues for the Sunday game against the Cityzens.
According to Chelsea official website, in his pre-match press conference, McFarlane said: “We don’t know what the future beyond this game is but right now, the brief is just to prepare the lads for Man City on Sunday. That’s all I’m focused on.
“We will go there looking to give a good account of ourselves and trying to obtain a good result.
“Of course, we know will be facing a good team, in good form and led by a great manager. But we have good players too and we will be going into the game being as positive as possible.”
On parting ways with Enzo Maresca, Chelsea said via an official statement on its official website: “During his time at the Club, Enzo led the team to success in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. Those achievements will remain an important part of the Club’s recent history, and we thank him for his contributions to the Club.”
Photo: Enzo Fernandez celebrates after levelling for Chelsea in the top flight encounter against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium on Sunday
