Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez scored deep into stoppage time to earn his side a dramatic 1–1 draw with Manchester City on Sunday, dealing a blow to Pep Guardiola’s title hopes in the Premier League.
Manchester City looked set for victory after Tijjani Reijnders fired them ahead in the 42nd minute, capitalising on a loose ball after a pass intended for Erling Haaland.
The hosts dominated large spells and created clearer chances, but failed to turn their superiority into a decisive second goal.
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Chelsea then struck in the 94th minute when Malo Gusto’s cross, deflected off Nathan Aké, fell to Fernandez at the far post.
The Argentine midfielder saw two efforts blocked, the first mis-hit and the second saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma, before forcing the ball over the line with his third attempt.
The draw leaves Manchester City second in the table on 42 points, level with Aston Villa and six points behind leaders Arsenal.
Chelsea, playing their first match after parting ways with manager Enzo Maresca earlier in the week, sits fifth on 31 points.
“We missed chances in the second half and couldn’t finish the game,” Guardiola said. “Against a team like Chelsea, ninety minutes is always tough.”
City were also hit by injury concerns, losing defenders Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias, both expected to be sidelined for several weeks.
Chelsea interim manager Calum McFarlane hailed his players’ resilience.
“Everyone thought we were coming here to lose,” he said. “But the character and belief in this group carried us through, and I felt we deserved that equaliser.”
Sunday’s Premier League results
Leeds 1-1 Manchester United
Everton 2-4 Brentford
Newcastle 2-0 Crystal Palace
Tottenham 1-1 Sunderland
Fulham 2-2 Liverpool
Manchester City 1-1 Chelsea.
