Fernandez's lucky strike denies Man City title charge: Was it a draw or a disaster?
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Jan 05, 2026, 18:34 IST
Chelsea held Manchester City to a 1-1 draw on Sunday. Enzo Fernandez scored a crucial equalizer in injury time. This result denied Manchester City vital points in the Premier League title race. Tijjani Reijnders had given Manchester City the lead. Manchester City now trails Arsenal by six points.
Chelsea secured a dramatic 1-1 draw against Manchester City on Sunday, with Enzo Fernandez scoring a late equalizer in injury time. The goal denied Pep Guardiola's side crucial points in the Premier League title race.
Tijjani Reijnders had put Manchester City ahead late in the first half. However, Fernandez struck in the 94th minute after a cross from Malo Gusto deflected off Nathan Ake and fell to him at the far post.
Fernandez's initial shot was mis-hit, and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma saved his second attempt. His third effort ultimately pushed the ball over the line for the equalizer.
Manchester City now sits second in the table, level on 42 points with third-placed Aston Villa. They are six points behind leaders Arsenal. Chelsea, who are fifth on 31 points, had a turbulent week leading up to the match, parting ways with manager Enzo Maresca on New Year's Day.
Chelsea's defense had largely held strong against Manchester City's attacks. Reijnders broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute when a pass intended for Erling Haaland bounced to him. The Dutch midfielder then fired a left-footed shot into the roof of the net.
The match saw Manchester City with 14 shots compared to Chelsea's eight. They also missed several significant scoring opportunities. Guardiola was visibly frustrated for much of the game, ruing the missed chances.
Erling Haaland alone had five shots, including one that hit the inside of the far post and went out, much to the disappointment of the home crowd. Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva also narrowly missed scoring for Manchester City. The team is unbeaten in the league for eight games but has now had two consecutive draws, following a 0-0 stalemate at Sunderland on Thursday.
A positive for Manchester City was the performance of Rodri, the Ballon d'Or winner. His composure and line-breaking passes were notable in his first start in three months. He registered the most touches of any Manchester City player during the match.
Manchester City also suffered an injury blow when defender Josko Gvardiol had to leave the field early in the second half. He struggled to put weight on his leg and was helped off by Chelsea captain Reece James.
Tijjani Reijnders had put Manchester City ahead late in the first half. However, Fernandez struck in the 94th minute after a cross from Malo Gusto deflected off Nathan Ake and fell to him at the far post.
Fernandez's initial shot was mis-hit, and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma saved his second attempt. His third effort ultimately pushed the ball over the line for the equalizer.
Manchester City now sits second in the table, level on 42 points with third-placed Aston Villa. They are six points behind leaders Arsenal. Chelsea, who are fifth on 31 points, had a turbulent week leading up to the match, parting ways with manager Enzo Maresca on New Year's Day.
Chelsea's defense had largely held strong against Manchester City's attacks. Reijnders broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute when a pass intended for Erling Haaland bounced to him. The Dutch midfielder then fired a left-footed shot into the roof of the net.
The match saw Manchester City with 14 shots compared to Chelsea's eight. They also missed several significant scoring opportunities. Guardiola was visibly frustrated for much of the game, ruing the missed chances.
Erling Haaland alone had five shots, including one that hit the inside of the far post and went out, much to the disappointment of the home crowd. Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva also narrowly missed scoring for Manchester City. The team is unbeaten in the league for eight games but has now had two consecutive draws, following a 0-0 stalemate at Sunderland on Thursday.
A positive for Manchester City was the performance of Rodri, the Ballon d'Or winner. His composure and line-breaking passes were notable in his first start in three months. He registered the most touches of any Manchester City player during the match.
Manchester City also suffered an injury blow when defender Josko Gvardiol had to leave the field early in the second half. He struggled to put weight on his leg and was helped off by Chelsea captain Reece James.