Fernandez scores late as Chelsea hold Man City in Premier League 1-1 draw

Enzo Fernandez scored a stoppage-time equaliser as Chelsea ended a turbulent week by securing a deserved Premier League point against title-chasing Manchester City.

Chelsea were led by Calum McFarlane, usually the club’s under-21s coach, who took interim charge of the first team following the departure of Enzo Maresca on Thursday.

According to the BBC, McFarlane’s side frustrated City for long periods, showing resilience after falling behind, before Argentine midfielder Fernandez poked in at the third attempt to rescue a draw late on.

Manchester City had appeared on course for victory after Tijjani Reijnders’ first-half strike, but a second successive draw leaves them six points adrift of league leaders Arsenal.

City dominated possession and eventually broke through just before half-time. Reijnders collected a loose ball on the edge of the penalty area, skipped past Benoit Badiashile and drilled a low finish inside the near left post.

Chelsea had earlier survived sustained pressure, with goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen producing a fine recovery save in the 37th minute to tip Erling Haaland’s deflected effort wide. Moments later, the Norwegian striker struck the post as City pressed for an opener.

Chelsea began the second half with renewed intent. Pedro Neto missed a clear chance from eight yards, while substitute Liam Delap, facing his former club, fired straight at Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Fernandez’s late equaliser sparked celebrations among the travelling Chelsea supporters, capping a disciplined performance that earned the visitors a valuable point at the Etihad.

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