Fernandez's last-gasp heroics snatched a dramatic equalizer, denying City a crucial win and highlighting Chelsea's resilience.
Only four days into this year 2026, today at Etihad Stadium, the Matchday 20 Premier League game took place. The match between Manchester City and the current Club World Cup champion, Chelsea.
The referee in charge of this match was Michael Oliver.
Lineups:
Manchester City (4-3-2-1): Donnarumma; Matheus Nunes, Rúben Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly; Bernardo Silva, Rodri, T. Reijnders; Phil Foden, Rayan Cherki; Erling Haaland.
Chelsea FC (4-2-3-1): Jörgensen; Josh Acheampong, Chalobah, Badiashile, Malo Gusto; Reece James, Enzo Fernández; Estêvão, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto; João Pedro.
The match began intensely from minute one, with good pressure from Manchester City, which went into halftime with a total of 68% possession.
That pressure was crucial for the Dutchman, Tijjani Reijnders, to take advantage of a loose ball at the edge of the box and fire an unstoppable left-footed shot into the left corner of Filip Jörgensen's goal in the 42nd minute.
Enzo Fernandez's Stoppage-Time Stunner Earns Chelsea Draw at Manchester City
Chelsea had been very compact, trying to break out with the speed of Estêvão and Palmer, but City's defense (with a very solid Gvardiol) had cut off almost all the counterattacks.
For the second half, Chelsea sought the equalizer, but it did not arrive and remained only in attempts due to poor finishing or the defensive excellence of the Manchester City team.
Until minute 90+4, Malo Gusto provided an assist that managed to end up in the net thanks to Argentine Enzo Fernández.
The Blues managed to salvage a point after a tight match between the two teams.
Substitutions:
Manchester City:
- 51st minute: Abdukodir Khusanov for Joško Gvardiol.
- 70th minute: Jérémy Doku for Tijjani Reijnders.
- 81st minute: Nathan Aké for Rúben Dias.
Chelsea FC:
- 46th minute: Andrey Santos for Estêvão Willian.
- 62nd minute: Liam Delap for João Pedro.
- 62nd minute: Jorrel Hato for Josh Acheampong.
With the result, Manchester City stays in second place, while Chelsea holds onto fifth.
Both clubs play again Jan. 7. City hosts Brighton, and Chelsea travels to Craven Cottage to face Fulham.
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