Man City drop points as managerless Chelsea snatch late draw

Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes suffered a major blow on Sunday night as managerless Chelsea snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium, thanks to a 94th-minute equaliser from Enzo Fernandez.

City appeared on course for a crucial victory after Tijjani Reijnders fired them ahead before half-time, but a chaotic second half, injury setbacks and wasteful finishing allowed Chelsea to escape with a point deep into stoppage time.

The result leaves Pep Guardiola’s side six points behind leaders Arsenal, dealing another dent to their fading title chase.

City dominated large spells of the contest and finally broke the deadlock three minutes before the interval when Reijnders wriggled free inside the box and smashed past Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, who was making his first league start of the season.

However, City’s night unravelled after the break as Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias were both forced off injured, weakening their defensive structure.

Chelsea, under the caretaker charge of Under-21 coach Calum McFarlane following Enzo Maresca’s dismissal on Thursday, grew in confidence and pressed for an equaliser.

Despite City’s control, missed chances proved costly. Erling Haaland hit the post, while Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva failed to capitalise on clear openings.

The visitors finally got their reward in the dying seconds when Fernandez reacted quickest at the back post, prodding home after Gianluigi Donnarumma initially parried his effort.

City players slumped to the turf in disbelief as two vital points slipped away, further boosting Arsenal’s push for a first league title in 22 years.