Enzo Fernández's late leveller for Chelsea sees City lose ground on Gunners | OneFootball

Managerless Chelsea dealt Manchester City a title blow after Enzo Fernández's stoppage-time goal meant that the points were shared at the Etihad Stadium.

Few would have imagined Chelsea would start 2026 out with former Manchester City youth coach Calum McFarlane in the dugout but that's exactly what happened at the Etihad Stadium.

The 40-year-old, who is now leading Chelsea's youth sides, almost saw Brazilian prodigy Estêvão give his side the lead but he slipped at the vital moment as a cross from the left fell to him with Josko Gvardiol getting in the way.

From that point on it was all Manchester City in the first half as they increasingly ramped up the pressure. Erling Haaland went closest before the opener when the striker's effort had Filip Jorgensen beaten but not the post.

Just a few minutes later it was 1-0 to City when Tijjani Reijnders was able to get the ball onto his left foot before launching it into the roof of the net – a striker's finish from the midfielder.

The visitors had a great chance early in the second half after great skill from Enzo Fernández in the area as the Argentinian was able to hold off Matheus Nunes before teeing up Pedro Neto who fired his effort over the bar from all of 10 yards out.

It wasn't until the 72nd minute that Gianluigi Donnarumma had made his first save as Chelsea looked more dangerous although still seeing little of the ball. Substitute Liam Delap, a former City player of course, saw his effort deflect off Abdukodir Khusanov (a substitute for the injured Gvardiol) before being saved by the big Italian.

With Arsenal winning against Bournemouth on Saturday, Pep Guardiola's side knew they needed all three points but they were hit late by a Chelsea side they had failed to finish off.

Malo Gusto had space on the right and he put in a tantalising low cross across the face of goal that fell to Enzo Fernández. Donnarumma did well to prevent the first effort but the Argentinian was able to prod it home at the second time of asking to make it 1-1 in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

That result means that City remain second ahead of Aston Villa only on goal difference after two draws on the bounce. Crucially, it means that the Citizens are now six points behind the league leaders.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

The match begins

26':

Missed opportunity! Rodri from Manchester City attempted a header from the center of the box following a corner kick.

Manchester City takes the lead with a score of 1-0 against Chelsea. Tijjani Reijnders fires a left-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area, finding the top left corner of the net.Manchester City takes the lead, 1-0 against Chelsea. Tijjani Reijnders fires a left-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area, finding the top left corner of the net.

42':

GOAL Manchester City: Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City) scores!

Tijjani Reijnders scores goal number 5 in the competition (19 matches)

45 +2':

Opportunity wasted. Phil Foden of Manchester City took a right-footed shot from the center of the box, but it sailed high and wide to the right following a corner kick.

90 +4':

GOAL Chelsea: Enzo Fernández (Chelsea) scores!

Enzo Fernández scores goal number 6 in the competition (19 matches) Enzo Fernández scores goal number 23 for his team (142 matches)