Chelsea interim manager Calum McFarlane has just shocked English football after going toe-to-toe with Pep Guardiola.
McFarlane took charge of Chelsea’s game against Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon following the departure of Enzo Maresca.
City were heading for a win after Tijjani Reijnders’ first-half strike, but Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 94th minute to make it 1-1.
McFarlane kept Chelsea in the game with his tactics and second-half changes, and Reece James made sure his role in the draw did not go unnoticed.
Calum McFarlane, Interim Manager of Chelsea, and Reece James of Chelsea applaud the fans
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Reece James made sure Chelsea fans showed their appreciation to Calum McFarlane
Following the full-time whistle at the Etihad, James encouraged the away end to praise Calum McFarlane and his staff.
It was a scene caught by journalist Kieran Gill, who shared the wonderful scenes on X.
Failure to beat City means Chelsea have now won just one of their last eight Premier League games. However, given the circumstances, they will be delighted with the result.
Liam Delap has made a real impact off the bench!
Manchester City v Chelsea - Premier League
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Would you start Delap against Fulham on Wednesday?
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Maresca only left the club a few days ago, and there has been so much negative noise surrounding the club, which is more than understandable.
Liam Rosenior is now set to take over from McFarlane, who has only stepped in after Maresca’s exit.
Calum McFarlane, Interim Manager of Chelsea, and Reece James of Chelsea interact
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Chelsea’s stats vs Manchester City
While City dominated possession, which you would expect from a Guardiola side at home, Chelsea could have actually won the game.
According to Sofascore, the Club World Cup winners had an xG of 1.73, while City only had 0.99. Chelsea also created three big chances, whereas their opponents did not record a single one.
Pedro Neto missed an absolute sitter. If he had his shooting boots on, Chelsea could have easily walked away with all three points.
Before the game, though, they would have taken one. No one was expecting them to earn anything, but McFarlane has pulled off a masterclass to prove his and Chelsea’s doubters wrong.
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