Chelsea snatch late draw at Etihad as McFarlane praises ‘exceptional’ response
Chelsea earned a dramatic 1–1 Premier League draw against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening, with Enzo Fernandez scoring a last-gasp equaliser to deny the champions a ninth consecutive home league win.
The Blues were led by Under-21s head coach Calum McFarlane, who took charge following the departure of Enzo Maresca earlier in the week. Chelsea’s preparations were further disrupted on matchday when goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and defender Wesley Fofana were forced to withdraw due to injury and illness.
Manchester City dominated the first half and took the lead through Tijjani Reijnders, pinning Chelsea deep and controlling possession for long periods. McFarlane later admitted his side struggled to cope with City’s shape, which forced Chelsea’s wide players into defensive roles and limited their attacking threat.
However, a tactical reshuffle at half-time proved decisive. Chelsea switched their approach, pressing more aggressively and matching City man-for-man, which helped disrupt the hosts’ rhythm and shift the momentum.
City’s control began to fade as Chelsea grew in confidence, with Andrey Santos influential in midfield and substitute Liam Delap providing a direct outlet up front. The visitors created several clear chances in the second half and looked increasingly likely to score.
That pressure finally told in stoppage time when Fernandez struck a composed finish to level the match, a goal that McFarlane insisted was fully deserved.
“I’m really proud of the players and how they performed, especially in the second half,” McFarlane said. “Young players in those moments may crumble, but they were exceptional. We deserved a point at minimum we could even have won the game.”
McFarlane also praised his squad’s character in difficult circumstances, highlighting the disruption caused by late illnesses and the change in leadership.
“One-nil down at the Etihad, with players falling ill on the day and so many changes, for them to regroup, take information on and execute it speaks volumes about the characters we have at this club,” he added.
The result gives Chelsea a valuable point away from home and a morale boost during a turbulent week but remain in position five with 31 points, while Manchester City still at second place, were left frustrated after surrendering their late lead and are now with 42 points and six points behind log leaders Arsenal.
Man City will take on 10th place Brighton & Hove Albion F.C on Wednesday at home while the Blues face Fulham (11) away on the same day.
