Enzo Fernandez’s 94th minute equaliser stole a point for manager-less Chelsea at Manchester City on Sunday, a result that could prove pivotal in the Premier League title race.
Tijjani Reijnders’ impressive goal looked to be the decisive moment at the Etihad, only for Fernandez to strike in injury time and share the spoils.
Chelsea, still reeling from the departure of Enzo Maresca and under the guidance of Under-21 boss Calum McFarlane, played like a team without direction and full of fear, struggling to win possession and doing little in the fleeting moments they had it.
They were able to resist City in the opening phases, with Pep Guardiola’s men finding it hard to break down a stubborn defence and test Filip Jorgensen, starting in goal after a minor injury to Robert Sanchez.
It was only a matter of time before the home side found their rhythm, as Phil Foden flashed a shot wide before Erling Haaland’s curling effort smacked the post.
Just before half-time, Reijnders found the opener, thundering the ball past Jorgensen at his near-post, the ball falling kindly to him after Benoit Badiashile cut out Rayan Cherki’s pass for Haaland.
Chelsea did improve after the break and ought to have been level early on when Fernandez teed up Pedro Neto, only for the winger to blaze his effort over the bar, while substitute Liam Delap forced a strong save from Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The Citizens created little of note in the second-half and in truth never seemed to get out of third gear, but still seemed certain to seal the victory.
That was until Malo Gusto’s low cross found its way to Fernandez and, after initially being denied by the goalkeeper, the Argentina midfielder bundled the ball into the back of the net, stunning all in the stadium.
The draw means City move back to second in the table, level with Aston Villa but six points behind Arsenal, with a home game against Brighton up next.
Chelsea have now won just one of their last eight games and are fifth, but it remains to seen who will be in the dugout on Wednesday when they travel to local rivals Fulham.
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