Enzo Fernandez was the hero for Chelsea as they rescued a point to put an end to a nightmare week for the club.
Interim manager Calum McFarlane was given very little hope up against the experienced Pep Guardiola, but it was his substitutions which turned the game in Chelsea’s favour in the second half.
Liam Delap and Andrey Santos made a real impact upon their arrivals to the game, although that is the last game McFarlane is expected to take charge of.
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Liam Rosenior is expected to become Chelsea manager on Monday, with him working his way up from the BlueCo project as Strasbourg boss.
Manchester City v Chelsea - Premier League
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Enzo Fernandez feels ‘sad’ for Enzo Maresca
He will replace Enzo Maresca, who had clearly become a popular member of staff amongst the Chelsea players. Marc Cucurella led the tributes to Maresca after he departed.
Fernandez hinted his sadness at the decision straight after the game against City, however admitted that it is part of football for managers to move on.
He told Sky Sports: “Difficult moment for us. Enzo is a top manager, of course I am sad for him, but it’s part of football and life. We keep going, no more.”
The World Cup winner was one of the players to personally flourish under the old manager, and will be hoping Rosenior can bring out a similar side of his game.
Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea and Enzo Maresca, Manager of Chelsea, embrace
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Fernandez benefits from McFarlane masterclass
McFarlane brought on Santos at half-time for Estevao Willian, allowing Fernandez to influence proceedings a lot more in the final third.
Liam Delap has made a real impact off the bench!
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Alas, it was the Argentine popping up in the six-yard box to rescue a point for Chelsea, sending a message to Rosenior on how he should be used.
Without Moises Caicedo, the midfield battle didn’t look as if it was going to be in Chelsea’s favour.
However, the impact of Fernandez, Santos, and Man of the Match Reece James showed the quality is absolutely there for the Blues, even without their player of the season.
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