City Stopped Late as Chelsea Snatch Point at the Etihad
Manchester City were forced to settle for a second straight draw of the new year after a dramatic 1–1 stalemate with Chelsea, decided deep into stoppage time on a tense night at the Etihad. City arrived with momentum, having closed the previous year with eight straight wins, but they found Chelsea stubborn and cautious in the early exchanges. With Enzo Maresca already gone, interim coach Calum McFarlane set his side up to stay compact, slowing the hosts and briefly unsettling them. Chelsea even carved out the first opening, though Estêvão’s effort was blocked by Joško Gvardiol. As City grew into the game, chances followed. Phil Foden went close twice and Bernardo Silva tested his range, but the breakthrough refused to come. Erling Haaland then struck the post with a curling left footed effort just before the break, a warning that proved decisive moments later. Tijjani Reijnders found space on the edge of the area and drove a fierce shot into the roof of the net from a tight angle, giving Chelsea a surprise lead and quietening the stadium. After the restart, Chelsea sensed vulnerability. Pedro Neto should have doubled the advantage on a swift counter attack but lifted his effort over. City responded with pressure of their own. Haaland pushed forward relentlessly but could not beat Benoît Badiashile, while further chances slipped away. Late injuries to Gvardiol and Rúben Dias disrupted City’s defence and gave Chelsea renewed belief. That belief was rewarded in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Malo Gusto surged down the right and delivered a dangerous cross. It was not cleared, and Enzo Fernández arrived at the far post to scramble home the equaliser. The late goal denied City a home win and saw them lose ground in the title race, slipping six points behind Arsenal. For Chelsea, the point felt heavier. It marked a spirited start to McFarlane’s interim spell and hinted that stability, though fragile, may still be within reach.
| 2026-01-04 19:50:50