Manchester City’s perfect finish to last year was halted as they were forced to settle for a dramatic 1-1 Premier League draw against Chelsea, a result that leaves the champions playing early catch-up in the 2026 title race.
The stalemate at the Etihad Stadium extended Chelsea’s strange habit of drawing early in calendar years, while also snapping City’s eight-game winning league run at home.
Cagey Start After Maresca Exit
Much of the pre-match attention centred on Chelsea’s shock managerial change, with Enzo Maresca departing just days before this clash. Interim boss Calum McFarlane set his side up cautiously, and it worked early on.
City dominated possession but struggled for rhythm, while Chelsea carved out the first real chance when Joško Gvardiol bravely blocked Estêvão’s close-range effort. The early warning sparked City into life, with Phil Foden twice going close before Bernardo Silva curled over from a promising position.
Reijnders Breaks the Deadlock
As halftime approached, Erling Haaland finally announced himself, crashing a curling left-footed strike against the post. That moment shifted the momentum completely.
Just minutes later, Tijjani Reijnders found space inside the box and rifled a powerful shot into the roof of the net, giving City a deserved 1-0 lead and sending the Etihad crowd into celebration.
Chelsea Grow Into the Game
Chelsea emerged after the break with renewed belief. Pedro Neto wasted a golden chance to equalise after a rapid counter-attack, scooping his effort over the bar when well placed.
City pushed for a second, with Haaland rampaging through the Chelsea defence, but Benoît Badiashile stood firm. At the other end, substitute Liam Delap tested Gianluigi Donnarumma from a tight angle, signalling Chelsea’s growing threat.
Fernández Delivers Late Heartbreak
Late knocks to Gvardiol and Rúben Dias disrupted City’s defensive shape, and Chelsea sensed an opening. That pressure paid off deep into stoppage time.
Malo Gusto surged down the right flank and delivered a teasing cross that City failed to clear. Enzo Fernández reacted quickest at the far post, scrambling the ball home to snatch a dramatic equaliser in the fourth minute of added time.
What the Result Means
The draw sees Manchester City slip six points behind Arsenal and level with Aston Villa, an unexpected twist in the title race for Kenyan fans closely following the Premier League. For Chelsea, the late goal provides a huge morale boost and a positive start to McFarlane’s interim reign, hinting at a strong finish to the season once a permanent manager is appointed.
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