Chelsea’s busy start to 2026 continued with a 1-1 draw away to Manchester City.
It was a chaotic way to start the post-Enzo Maresca days, with the game overseen by Calum McFarlane, the interim head coach until Maresca’s replacement is named. It was certainly a tough welcome to Premier League football, but his side showed good resilience to earn a point.
In the first 45 minutes, the Blues were rather timid, even when in attacking situations. They seemed reluctant to get forward, inviting City onto them, which led to Tijjani Reijnders’ opener.
He picked up a loose ball and drove at the Chelsea defender, before making space and firing a shot past Filip Jorgensen.
Things were slightly better for the west Londoners in the second half. They had a couple of good opportunities, and Liam Delap caused problems against his former club after coming off the bench.
Delap
Just when it seemed like it wasn’t to be for Chelsea in East Manchester, they managed to fashion an equaliser, right at the death. Deep in stoppage time, Malo Gusto swung a cross right into the City box. After a few deflections, Enzo Fernandez managed to bundle the ball over the line to snatch a point.
Indeed, the Blues' star man against City was surely Fernandez.
Enzo Fernandez's stats vs City
Following his late goal, Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville awarded Fernandez player of the match for his display at the Etihad Stadium. It is fair to say the 2022 World Cup winner deserved the accolade.
enzo-fernandez
Missing his usual partner in midfield, Moises Caicedo, Fernandez slotted in next to club captain Reece James. He still had the license to get forward and impact the game in the final third and he made the most of that, showing good resilience to get the ball over the line and buy Chelsea a point.
The 24-year-old has some impressive stats to his name at full-time. He was excellent off the ball, winning seven duels, three tackles and making five recoveries. In possession, he created two chances and, of course, scored the all-important equaliser.
One person who was left impressed by Chelsea number eight’s performance was Goal journalist Richie Mills. He gave Fernandez an 8/10 for his efforts in Manchester, explaining he could return to London "with his head held high" after the performance.
Enzo Fernandez
The midfielder played so well that he arguably saved the blushes of one of his Chelsea teammates. Unfortunately, with the impending arrival of a new manager, it was not timely.
Chelsea star must not start under Rosenior
As well as Fernandez did at the Etihad Stadium, it was a day to forget for winger Pedro Neto.
He was poor in the final third, running down blind alleys and often making the wrong decision. The winger also missed an effort from close range, firing Fernandez’s pass over after some good work in the box.
Pedro Neto
His rating from the aforementioned Mills was somewhat scathing. The journalist awarded him a 4/10 for his evening’s work, describing it as a “frustrating game” and calling his decision-making “a tad baffling.”
Indeed, the numbers reflect just how poorly Neto played against Pep Guardiola’s side. He had 43 touches but lost the ball on 12 occasions, and only completed 11 passes in City’s half. He failed to create a chance and mustered just one shot from Fernandez’s pass, which he skied.
Neto key stats vs. Man City
Stat
Touches
Possession lost
Opposition half passes completed
Duels won
Dribbles completed
Shots
Chances created
Stats from Sofascore
It seems as though Liam Rosenior will become the new Blues boss, but will Neto be someone he chooses on a regular basis? Well, the Portuguese has not exactly covered himself in glory in a game you might consider critical before the new manager arrives.
The 25-year-old has struggled for consistency this season, and his lack of good decisions in the final third is frustrating at times. That is certainly something which could put Rosenior off, despite Neto’s pace and directness going forward.
Neto
There are options if the potential new Blues gaffer chooses an alternative option to Neto out wide. Summer signings Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens are two players he can counton to play on the left wing, where their number seven tends to operate.
Either way, the Strasburg manager has big decisions to make, and it would not be a surprise if he didn’t choose to play Neto from the start in his first game.
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