Late Fernandez Strike Derails City as Chelsea Escape Etihad with Point

Manchester City’s grip on the Premier League title race loosened dramatically on Saturday night as Enzo Fernandez struck deep into stoppage time to earn a 1-1 draw for Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium. What looked set to be a routine home victory instead became another costly setback for Pep Guardiola’s side, leaving them six points behind leaders Arsenal.

City controlled much of the contest and were rewarded shortly before the break when Tijjani Reijnders produced a moment of quality, bursting into the box and firing a powerful finish past Filip Jorgensen at the near post. It was a goal that reflected City’s dominance after a slow opening, with Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva both going close and Erling Haaland twice threatening to score, including a curling effort that struck the inside of the post.

The home side, however, failed to turn control into comfort. Injuries to central defenders Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias in the second half disrupted City’s defensive stability and invited Chelsea back into the contest. Those problems were compounded by familiar wastefulness in front of goal, echoing the missed chances that had already cost City in a midweek draw.

Chelsea, operating under caretaker coach Calum McFarlane following the departure of Enzo Maresca, showed resilience and growing belief after the interval. Despite arriving with just one win from their previous eight league matches, the visitors began to sense vulnerability. Pedro Neto squandered a huge opportunity early in the second half, firing over with City temporarily undermanned, but the warning signs were clear.

City’s rearguard, particularly replacement defender Abdukodir Khusanov, came under increasing pressure. Gianluigi Donnarumma was forced into important saves to deny Liam Delap and later Fernandez as Chelsea pushed for a leveller. At the other end, City struggled to regain control despite the return of Rodri, making his first start since early October and immediately reminding observers of his importance.

The decisive moment arrived in the 94th minute. Fernandez’s initial effort was brilliantly stopped by Donnarumma, but the Argentine reacted quickest to the rebound, stabbing the ball home from close range. The equaliser sparked wild celebrations among the Chelsea players and left City’s squad slumped to the turf in disbelief.

The draw lifts Manchester City only marginally, edging them above Aston Villa into second place on goal difference, while significantly boosting the title hopes of Arsenal as the season enters its final stretch. For Chelsea, the point narrows the gap to the top four to three points and offers encouragement that their campaign may yet finish on a positive note.