This encounter presented Man City with the most opportune time to face Chelsea. The London club had a disastrous December, marked by poor Premier League form, which led to a coaching change on the first day of the new year.

However, the hosts failed to capitalize on the opportunity to recover from their draw at Sunderland three days prior. The late equalizer shook City's title ambitions, leaving Pep Guardiola looking skyward in disappointment. His team now trails league leaders Arsenal by six points.

Calum McFarlane, Chelsea's Under-21 coach, was promoted to interim manager, replacing Enzo Maresca. McFarlane may not get a second chance if Chelsea appoints a permanent successor to Maresca before their derby against Fulham on Wednesday evening. Nevertheless, he can reflect on this memorable match with pride, as Chelsea competed fiercely with Man City before stunning them with an equalizer in added time from Enzo Fernandez.

Midfielder Enzo Fernandez (number 8) celebrates the equalizer at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England on 4/1. *Photo: Reuters*

In a debut widely considered one of the Premier League's most challenging, facing Guardiola, McFarlane made shrewd substitutions. Introducing former Man City striker Liam Delap, for instance, helped Chelsea exert constant pressure late in the game.

In the 90+4 minute, a cross from the right wing by Malo Gusto deflected off Nathan Ake. Delap could not reach the ball centrally, but Fernandez was present at the far post. The Chelsea midfielder's first attempt was a scuffed shot, his second was blocked by Gianluigi Donnarumma at close range, and his third he could not miss. Fernandez rushed into the arms of Chelsea fans in the front row of the away stand, celebrating with overwhelming joy.

McFarlane's task in his debut was complicated by a forced change in goal, as Robert Sanchez was sidelined with a minor injury, making way for Filip Jorgensen. Chelsea also missed Moises Caicedo due to suspension in midfield. In McFarlane's system, Palmer played wide on the right in a midfield three, despite typically operating as the most advanced player.

The Chelsea players performed as if unaffected by Maresca's departure. The visitors started aggressively, ready for challenges. Chelsea even had an opportunity in the 19th minute when Pedro Neto delivered a low cross from the left wing. Space opened up for Estevao Willian near the penalty spot, but Josko Gvardiol blocked his shot.

Man City increased their tempo as the first half progressed, coinciding with Rodri's growing influence. When Rodri, making his first league start in three months, passed to Phil Foden, who backheeled it to Erling Haaland, home fans sensed Man City would no longer tolerate Chelsea's resistance.

Haaland's shot deflected off Trevoh Chalobah, forcing Jorgensen into a one-handed save. On the next opportunity, Rodri passed to Haaland on the right wing after a quick transition. The Norwegian striker cut inside and curled a shot towards the far corner, only for the inside of the post to deny him.

Man City's pressure was immense, preventing Chelsea from reaching halftime with a one-zero scoreline. Benoit Badiashile's clearance was indecisive, allowing Reijnders to pounce, dribble, and unleash a powerful shot into the near corner, which Jorgensen could not stop.

McFarlane made personnel adjustments at halftime and throughout the second half. He brought on Andrey Santos into midfield, partially freeing Fernandez. Palmer was pushed to the right wing, from where he continued to move broadly. Malo Gusto switched from left-back to right-back with instructions to push higher. Chelsea created another significant chance when Fernandez turned after a pass from Palmer and then delivered a beautiful pass for Pedro Neto, whose shot went over the bar from close range.

Man City sought a second goal in an open game. Badiashile blocked Haaland, while Jorrel Hato, a substitute, thwarted Bernardo Silva. Chelsea also responded strongly at the other end, as Delap turned past Abdukodir Khusanov and then forced Donnarumma into a save from a tight angle.

Delap subsequently heated up the match when he fouled Khusanov, pushing the Uzbekistan player into the advertising hoardings. Both teams clashed before the referee intervened with yellow cards.

The clash at the Etihad concluded with Fernandez's emotional goal. Chelsea was content with one point, which kept them in the top 5, ahead of Man Utd on goal difference. Man City is level on points with third-placed Aston Villa after this round, eight points ahead of fourth-placed Liverpool.

Vy Anh