Enzo Fernandez scores in stoppage time to help Chelsea take a point against Man City

Man City 1-1 Chelsea

Man City: Tijjani Reijnders (42')

Chelsea: Enzo Fernandez (90'+4)

With Enzo Maresca no longer in charge, Calum McFarlane took the role of interim manager for Chelsea. The visitors faced significant selection issues, with Marc Cucurella and Moises Caicedo unavailable for various reasons. Filip Jörgensen returned in goal, Reece James partnered Enzo Fernandez in midfield, Josh Acheampong started at right-back, and Malo Gusto was shifted to the left.

Given the circumstances, Chelsea spent much of the match defending in a compact low block. Manchester City dominated possession and eventually took the lead in the 42nd minute when Tijjani Reijnders scored a superb goal, controlling the ball before finishing confidently with his left foot. The hosts went into the break with a 1-0 advantage.

City continued to control the game in the second half, but Chelsea’s defensive organisation proved resilient. The visitors blocked several shots and began to pose a threat on the counter-attack. Deep into stoppage time, Enzo Fernandez capitalised on a chaotic situation in the box to score a dramatic equaliser and secure a 1-1 draw.

Interim manager Calum McFarlane said after the match: "I’m really proud of the players and how they performed, especially in the second half. Young players in those moments may crumble, but they were exceptional in the second half. We deserved a point minimum. We could have won the game. We had some big chances and big moments in the second half.

"We made a change at half-time to go more man for man against the ball, and to be able to get more pressure to disrupt their rhythm and hopefully force them to go a little bit longer. Andrey Santos was exceptional. He really controlled the middle of the pitch. In and out the possession the shape changed and the sub really helped us. Liam [Delap] gave us a really good outlet to go more direct and occupy the centre-half.

"We can talk about that, but the most impressive thing was the players. One-nil down at the Etihad, players falling ill on the day of the game, all the change, for them to regroup and take that information on and execute it speaks volumes about the characters we have at this club".

The draw did not alter Chelsea’s league position. They remain fifth on 30 points, one point behind Liverpool and three points clear of 12th-placed Everton. Chelsea next face Fulham away on 8 January, before beginning their FA Cup campaign against Charlton on 11 January.