Enzo Fernandez scored deep into stoppage time to earn Chelsea a 1-1 draw at Manchester City at the Etihad.
Fernandez scrambled in a 94th-minute equaliser to rescue a result for the West Londoners and dent the title ambitions of their hosts in Manchester.
Chelsea had headed into the clash without a head coach, following the departure of Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day.
The Italian’s fallout with the board included the revelation that the ex-Man City assistant had held talks with his former team about a potential future role at the Etihad, adding an intriguing sub-plot to the game.
Tijjani Reijnders scored the opening goal for Manchester City just before half-time, as the Dutchman thundered an effort past stand-in goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen to put the Citizens ahead.
Pep Guardiola’s side pushed for a second, but Chelsea grew into the game after the interval and deserved their late levelled.
A low cross found a route to Fernandez at the back post and the Argentine scrambled in at the second attempt after Gianluigi Donnarumma failed to clear.
The result sees City climb back to second in the Premier League table, but the gap to Arsenal is now six points after the Gunners won at Bournemouth on Saturday.
Chelsea move back above Manchester United into fifth, three points adrift of Liverpool in the race for Champions League qualification.
James praises Chelsea unity after Maresca exit
Chelsea captain Reece James spoke to Sky Sports at full-time and said the side were forced to focus on the task at hand despite the uncertainty surrounding the club’s managerial position.
“We had to accept what we were on earlier on in the week and put it behind us. We came here with a gameplan.
“In the first half, we made a slight error for their goal. But we grew into the game in the second half and we knew a chance would come and [Enzo Fernandez] took the chance when it came.
“We have to stand together as a unit. We are one. We missed many players today, but so many other players stepped up. We fought as a team and I am proud of the boys.”
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