Man City suffered a damaging blow in the Premier League title race after conceding a stoppage-time equaliser in a 1–1 draw with Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium. Enzo Fernandez struck in the 94th minute to deny Pep Guardiola’s side a vital win and tighten Arsenal’s grip at the top.
Tijjani Reijnders had earlier fired Man City into a deserved half-time lead. However, second-half injuries to Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias unsettled City’s defence. As a result, Chelsea pressed harder and claimed a late reward.
Man City dominate first half but fail to kill game
After a slow opening, City took control of proceedings. Phil Foden dragged an early effort wide, while Bernardo Silva curled a shot just over the bar. Meanwhile, Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen impressed on his first league start of the season, tipping Erling Haaland’s deflected strike behind.
Soon after, Haaland went close again when his curling effort struck the inside of the post. Eventually, City made their pressure count three minutes before the break. Reijnders wriggled free inside the area and blasted a powerful finish past Jorgensen at his near post.
Chelsea rally as City suffer injuries
However, City nearly undid their good work seconds after the restart. Gvardiol picked up an ankle injury, leaving gaps at the back. Consequently, Pedro Neto wasted a clear chance for Chelsea from close range.
Chelsea continued to push forward and targeted City substitute Abdukodir Khusanov. Although Gianluigi Donnarumma denied Liam Delap from a tight angle, the pressure kept building.
Late Fernandez strike dents title race
In the closing moments, Donnarumma produced a stunning save to stop Fernandez. However, the Argentine reacted fastest to tap in the rebound and secure a point for Chelsea.
The result lifted Man City above Aston Villa into second place on goal difference. Nevertheless, Guardiola’s side now sit six points behind leaders Arsenal, who move closer to a first league title in 22 years.
Chelsea, under caretaker boss Calum McFarlane following Enzo Maresca’s exit, earned reward for a spirited display. The Blues remain fifth but closed to within three points of the top four.
