Manchester City’s quest for another Premier League crown suffered a significant setback on Sunday as Enzo Fernandez struck a 94th-minute equalizer for managerless Chelsea. The 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium leaves Pep Guardiola’s side trailing leaders Arsenal by six points, with the Gunners now firmly in the driving seat.
After Arsenal’s victory at Bournemouth, City had no margin for error against a Chelsea side reeling from the departure of Enzo Maresca. Tijjani Reijnders appeared to have steadied the ship with a 42nd-minute opener, but the hosts failed to kill the game off, eventually succumbing to Fernandez’s late brilliance.
Chelsea were led by Under-21 coach Calum McFarlane, who will never forget his first senior match after frustrating the decorated Guardiola. Despite McFarlane’s heroic point, Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior remains the leading candidate to take the permanent reins at Stamford Bridge as the club looks toward the future.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s top-four ambitions were also tested in a pulsating 2-2 draw at Fulham. Harry Wilson haunted his former club with the opener before second-half goals from Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo seemed to have snatched a dramatic victory for Arne Slot’s men.
However, the visitors’ celebrations were cut short when Harrison Reed blasted a long-range effort into the top corner in the 94th minute. The result keeps Liverpool three points ahead of fifth-placed Chelsea, though City remain desperate for Slot’s side to do them a favor against Arsenal this Thursday.
