Chelsea’s draw against Manchester City will actually have felt like more of a win for the Blues based on the external circumstances they were facing around the game.
Enzo Fernandez found the net with minutes to go to rescue a point at the Etihad, likely seeing Calum McFarlane end his spell as first team manager unbeaten.
Liam Rosenior is expected to be named the new Chelsea manager before they are next in action against Fulham on Wednesday, after Enzo Maresca was sacked on New Years’ Day.
How good was Andrey Santos against Manchester City? 👏
Andrey Santos' pass completion rate vs Man City
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Reece James stepped up and led from the front with his performance in midfield, picking up the Man of the Match award from Sky Sports.
Manchester City v Chelsea - Premier League
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
John Terry praises Enzo Fernandez and Reece James after City 1-1 Chelsea
Club legend John Terry was very impressed with James’ performance, however took to TikTok to praise Fernandez’s performance alongside him as well.
He said: “I also thought Reece and Enzo were the driving force in midfield as well. So big well done to those boys as well.
“Some really tough circumstances yesterday, but like I said before the game as well, as players we deal with that. I’ve dealt with that on many occasions myself.”
The performance from the duo was even more impressive as it came in the absence of Moises Caicedo, who was missing due to suspension.
Manchester City v Chelsea - Premier League
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Fernandez sad to see Maresca leave
Very few players improved as much in a Chelsea shirt with Maresca in charge, with him becoming a regular source of goals from midfield.
How would you feel about Enzo Maresca going to Man Utd? 🤔
Ruben Amorim has been sacked by Manchester United! The door is open for Enzo Maresca to replace him…
Enzo Maresca managing Chelsea against Man United
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
After the game, Fernandez admitted he was sad to see Maresca leave, however acknowledged that it was part of football to see managers lose their job.
There will be hope the Argentine can continue to pick up attacking positions in the post-Maresca era, and he was certainly given more licence after McFarlane’s substitutions.
Andrey Santos’ introduction into the midfield allowed Fernandez to impact play a lot more, and it was him who popped up when it mattered with another important goal.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox