After winning their final eight matches of last year, Manchester City were forced to settle for a second consecutive draw in 2026 after being held 1-1 by Chelsea in a dramatic Premier League encounter at the Etihad Stadium, Softfootball reports.
City came into the contest on the back of a frustrating goalless draw against Sunderland on New Year’s Day, while Chelsea’s build-up was dominated by off-field drama after the club parted ways with manager Enzo Maresca in a shock decision earlier that same day. With the Blues under interim boss Calum McFarlane, caution was the order of the afternoon in the early exchanges.
That conservative approach initially worked in Chelsea’s favour, unsettling the hosts and producing the game’s first opening when Estêvão’s effort from inside the area was blocked by Joško Gvardiol. City gradually grew into the contest, with Phil Foden passing up two decent chances before Bernardo Silva curled an effort over from a promising position.
Erling Haaland was largely kept quiet until just before the interval, when he finally made his presence felt by smashing a curling left-footed strike against the post. That warning proved decisive, as City took the lead moments later. Tijjani Reijnders found space on the edge of the area and rifled a powerful shot into the roof of Filip Jörgensen’s net from a tight angle to give the champions a deserved advantage heading into the break.
Chelsea emerged with renewed intent after half-time and should have drawn level early on, only for Pedro Neto to scoop an effort over the bar after a lightning counter-attack. Haaland, keen to end a three-game goal drought, responded with a burst of attacking threat but was denied by a crucial block from Benoît Badiashile.
Opportunities continued to appear at both ends, with Chelsea going closest through Liam Delap, whose fierce effort from a narrow angle forced Gianluigi Donnarumma into a sharp save. Late knocks to Gvardiol and Rúben Dias disrupted City’s defensive rhythm, handing the visitors a lifeline as the match entered stoppage time.
That opening was finally exploited in the fourth minute of added time. Malo Gusto surged down the right flank and delivered a dangerous cross that City failed to deal with, allowing Enzo Fernández to pounce at the far post and scramble home a dramatic equaliser.
After the game, Manchester City via its official X handle, shared an exclusive video of former Balon D’or winner, Rodri thanking the fans for their support today and starting his first game for city since his return from injury. They posted:
The result leaves City six points behind league leaders Arsenal and level with Aston Villa, while also ending an eight-game winning run at the Etihad. For Chelsea, the late goal provided a timely lift in the first match of McFarlane’s interim spell, underlining their resilience and hinting at potential stability once a permanent replacement for Maresca is appointed.
