Manchester City were stunned by managerless Chelsea at the Etihad in a huge boost to Premier League leaders Arsenal, who now lead by six points.
Enzo Fernandez struck deep into stoppage time for the Blues, led by Under-21s head coach Calum McFarlane, after the shock exit of Enzo Maresca.
It concluded an end-to-end second half with Pep Guardiola’s failing to punish the visitors after creating numerous chances.
The hosts dominated early but almost fell behind after a glorious chance for Estevao Willian, with the Brazilian’s strike blocked.
But moments after Erling Haaland’s thumping strike hit the woodwork, City took the lead after dominating the opening half. Tijjani Reijnders was forced wide, but unleashed a venomous left-footed strike that squeezed past stand-in goalkeeper Filip Jörgensen at the near post.
And Pedro Neto wasted a superb chance in the second half to equalise, with Enzo Fernandez’s footwork impressing, and the game opening up into a tense finale. And the Argentine found himself unmarked at the back post late on, sweeping home from close range to earn a precious point and boost the Gunners in the title race.
Relive all the action from Man City v Chelsea in the Premier League, below:
Man City v Chelsea live: Latest score and updates from Premier League
- Man City host Chelsea in Premier League | live on Sky Sports Main Event
- Blues overseen by U-21s boss Calum McFarlane after Enzo Maresca exit
- Pep Guardiola's side seven points behind leaders Arsenal after last night's win
- 42' GOAL! Reijnders lashes in near-post effort [MCI 1-0 CHE]
- 39' OFF THE POST! Haaland hits woodwork with curled effort [MCI 0-0 CHE]
- 90+4' GOAL! Fernandez strikes late to stun hosts [MCI 1-1 CHE]
- Man City XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly, Rodri, Bernardo, Reijnders, Foden, Cherki, Haaland.
- Chelsea XI: Jorgensen; Acheampong, Chalobah, Badiashile, Gusto; Fernandez, James; Estevao, Palmer, Neto; Joao Pedro.
Enzo Fernandez reacts to Chelsea's late equaliser at Man City
19:57 , Jack Rathborn“Difficult week for us, difficult moment for us, today we are there, very happy for the team,” Enzo Fernandez says.
“Difficult moment for us, Maresca, I’m sad for him, but we have to keep it going.”
Reece James reacts to Chelsea draw at Man City
19:49 , Jack Rathborn“We know what level we can perform at, when we’re firing, the second half we grew into the game,” Reece James says.
“It was a credit to the staff that stepped up, they’ve not been in this role before, City away, first game, it’s difficult, we have to adapt fast. We had to make slight adjustments. A different plan.
“We are in a difficult moment, we have to stand as a unit, as one, many people travelled today that we missed. We fought as a team today. I’m proud of the boys. It’s difficult; we have to fight with each other. We go again, we got a point.”
Man City 1-1 Chelsea
19:42 , Jack Rathborn
Interim Chelsea boss laps up applause from visiting supporters
19:37 , Jack RathbornThe Chelsea players go to the away fans to celebrate, but interim manager Calum McFarlane hangs back.
Only for captain Reece James to wrap an arm around him and urge him to greet the fans.
A touching moment for the young coach in what is his greatest achievement in his young career to date.
FT: Man City 1-1 Chelsea
19:33 , Jack Rathborn“Midweek, as well, not finishing teams off, they’re not ruthless. They’ll be kicking themselves, they know they should have had three points,” says Micah Richards on Sky Sports.
FT: Man City 1-1 Chelsea
19:31 , Jack RathbornThat’s it, Guardiola is livid, hugging Foden, who is furious as well.
Warm words from Guardiola for McFarlane on the touchline. He’s pulled off a masterstroke here.
Man City 1-1 Chelsea
19:30 , Richard Jolly90+6
The latest from Richard Jolly at the Etihad:
Chelsea have deserved that. So has Calum McFarlane, who reshaped his side at half-time and has made fine subs. Has Calum McFarlane changed the title race?
90+4
GOAL! Enzo Fernandez has snatched a late equaliser!
It’s a beautiful ball across and City can’t clear it.
Fernandez misses once, but then pokes it in from close range. Guardiola sinks, he is distraught.
GOAL! Man City 1-1 Chelsea (Fernandez)
19:26 , Jack Rathborn90+4
GOAL! Enzo Fernandez has snatched a late equaliser!
It’s a beautiful ball across and City can’t clear it.
Fernandez misses once, but then pokes it in from close range. Guardiola sinks, he is distraught.
Man City 1-0 Chelsea
19:25 , Jack Rathborn90+2
Tijjani Reijnders is Neville’s player of the match, unless Chelsea score, then it’ll be Reece James.
Man City 1-0 Chelsea
19:23 , Jack Rathborn90 mins
SIX MINUTES ADDED ON!
James curls a free-kick into the box, but that’s too easy for Donnarumma.
Khusanov whacks Delap as Neto tries to shuffle up the pitch and release his teammate.
Man City 1-0 Chelsea
19:22 , Jack Rathborn88 mins
It’s good work from Palmer to release Delap, he holds it up well and City regain composure.
Hato slides one in and Palmer is free! Oh no, a swinger, and the ball is missed completely. City frantically clear.
Ake then whacks one onto the outstretched Delap leg as the forward attempted to storm into the path of the cutback.
Man City 1-0 Chelsea
19:21 , Jack Rathborn86 mins
It’s getting a bit frantic now, Cherki lobs one over the top and Haaland is free.
But it’s just too heavy and Jorgensen scampers off the line to gather.
Can Chelsea pick the lock one last time?
Man City 1-0 Chelsea
19:14 , Richard Jolly80 mins
The latest from Richard Jolly at the Etihad:
Interesting City change. Nathan Ake comes on for the booked Ruben Dias. With Gvardiol seemingly injured and Dias among those in the fracas with Delap, they can't afford him to get sent off and suspended. It is Brighton next for them.
Man City 1-0 Chelsea
19:14 , Jack Rathborn79 mins
Ooh, a problem for City, Dias is hobbling off, Ake is ready to replace him...
A chance for Chelsea here with 10 minutes remaining.
Then Haaland surges into the open space, but Jorgensen is out quick.
Man City 1-0 Chelsea
19:13 , Jack Rathborn75 mins
Delap sent through on goal and it’s a good chance, he drives with pace and power.
But Khusanov is there! Immense tracking and real strength to shadow that ball out of play.
Then the afters... Delap getting it from Dias, then Silva tries to shove the Chelsea forward, who laughs in the face of the smaller man.
Delap is booked, as is Enzo Fernandez, who goes head-to-head with Matheus Nunes.
Man City 1-0 Chelsea
19:04 , Richard JollyHere’s Richard Jolly at the Etihad Stadium with the latest:
Off goes Reijnders. He delivered 15 goals for AC Milan last season and, while he took a while to show the same touch for City, now has three in his last four games. Replacing players of the calibre of Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin de Bruyne is not as simple as that but at least the Dutchman has shown the goalscoring ability of some of his predecessors.
Man City 1-0 Chelsea
19:02 , Chris Wilson68 mins
CHANCE! Great defending from Hato here.
Haaland brings down Donnarumma’s pass and knocks it to Cherki, who drives into the box. He tries to square it to Foden for a tap-in, but Hato slides in to divert it away.
Man City 1-0 Chelsea
18:57 , Richard Jolly at the EtihadThe latest from Richard Jolly at the Etihad:
“On come Liam Delap and Jorrel Hato. Delap is part of the large ex-City contingent at Chelsea - although their numbers are smaller now without Enzo Maresca and Willy Caballero.”
Man City 1-0 Chelsea
18:57 , Chris Wilson64 mins
Chelsea briefly threaten with a couple of lovely crosses - the second of which is perfectly placed by James into the corridor between Donnarumma and his defenders – but no Blues forward took the gamble at the back post.
Man City 1-0 Chelsea
18:54 , Chris Wilson62 mins
Never a penalty that, on second look. In fact, it’s superb defending from Reece James.
The Blues go up the other end and win a corner, which the captain will deliver – it comes to nothing though as it’s cleared and the flag goes up as it’s passed back towards James.
The Blues make a couple of changes as Liam Delap and Jorrel Hato replace Pedro and Acheampong.
Man City 1-0 Chelsea
18:52 , Chris Wilson59 mins
Chelsea almost pay the price for allowing Haaland too much space as he picks up the ball near halfway and beara down on goal, skipping past a challenge before firing in a shot that is blocked well.
Moments later, City want a penalty as Cherki is bundled over just before hitting a shot in the area. It’ll be checked!
Man City 1-0 Chelsea
18:50 , Chris Wilson57 mins
City almost create a chance as Haaland looks to latch onto a through ball in the box, but Badiashile does well to divert it out for a corner.
The set-piece comes to nothing as Foden loops a header to Jorgensen.
Man City 1-0 Chelsea
18:47 , Chris Wilson55 mins
Chelsea have settled in this half and of course should be level, but they continue to work for an equaliser. Pedro baits Dias into a yellow card as he tries to get past the Portuguese.
Elsewhere, Reece James was also given a yellow card for an accumulation of fouls.
Man City 1-0 Chelsea
18:46 , Chris Wilson52 mins
Josko Gvardiol has just been forced off with what looks like an ankle injury, and he’s replaced by Abdukodir Khusanov.
Pedro Neto squanders glorious chance as City unravel early against Blues
18:42 , Jack Rathborn49 mins
So it’s Malo Gusto over to the right...
And it should be 1-1!
Magic footwork from Enzo Fernandez, Palmer led the counter-attack, Gvardiol was down hurt during the move, too.
Then Pedro Neto is picked out by the Argentine, but the side-footed finish is sliced over, it’s a really poor finish.
Chelsea make key change and almost catch City sleeping
18:39 , Jack Rathborn46 mins
A change from Chelsea: Andrey Santos on for Estevao, a re-jig from McFarlane.
And the Blues close in on goal early... Pedro Neto down the left and slipped in by Joao Pedro.
But a poor cross is blocked and the danger vanishes.
HALF-TIME! Man City 1-0 Chelsea
18:27 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Man City 1-0 Chelsea
18:22 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the whistle and City enter the break a goal ahead.
For all their dominance, they didn’t really begin to threaten until the final 10 minutes or so of the half, though it soon paid off as Reijnders rifled in a lovely opener.
The Blues were happy to sit back in that first half but they have it all to do now if they want to take a point (or more) from this one.
Man City 1-0 Chelsea
18:20 , Chris Wilson45 mins
Unsurprisingly, it’s City pushing for a second as the half comes to an end, though Foden lashes it high and wide from a corner when unmarked. That could be that as we enter the second minute of added time.
'That goal had been coming'
18:18 , Richard Jolly at the EtihadThe latest from Richard Jolly at the Etihad:
“City had no shot on target in the first 37 minutes. They stepped up the pace since then. That goal had been coming, though it was taken in spectacular style by Tijjani Reijnders. Chelsea have defended well so far but, at 1-0 down, McFarlane's gameplan may have to change.”
GOAL! Man City 1-0 Chelsea
18:16 , Chris Wilson42 mins
GOAL! The hosts finally have a lead!
It’s a lovely finish too, as Reijnders picks up a loose ball – from a pass meant for Haaland - and works some space from Badiashile before lashing it high past Jorgensen at the near post!
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
18:14 , Chris Wilson39 mins
OFF THE POST! Haaland thinks he’s scored but it cannons off the woodwork!
The City striker recevies the pass in the area and cuts back outside to find space for the shot. He curls the effort towards goal and it looks like it’ll settle in the corner, but it crashes against the post!
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
18:12 , Chris Wilson38 mins
CHANCE!
First real chance for Haaland as City win the ball high and look for their striker, with Foden flicking it on to him.
He looks up and tries to pick his spot but the effort is deflected, looping high and forcing Jorgensen to tip it wide.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
18:10 , Chris Wilson36 mins
No shots on target yet from either side, though that is in part due to twi great blocks.
Bernardo Silva has the latest effort, cutting inside and dummying twice before trying to find the top corner.
His curled effort flies wide of the far post though.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
18:08 , Chris Wilson34 mins
City certainly are dominating now, though they aren’t putting a lot of pressure on the Chelsea defence. It’s all been a little too pedestrian.
The likes of Cherki and Foden remain a threat though, especially on the break.
'All rather uninspired'
18:07 , Richard Jolly at the EtihadThe latest from Richard Jolly at the Etihad:
“All rather uninspired from City so far. They may wish they could call upon the dynamism of Antoine Semenyo, but while they are still expected to sign him, he remains a Bournemouth player for now.”
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
18:05 , Chris Wilson30 mins
Still not clicking for the hosts as Chelsea continue to frustrate them in defence.
Reijnders looks like the main threat to unlock the defence at the moment, though Silva clips back a cross that Foden heads wide.
The Portuguese had strayed offside in the build-up though.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
18:01 , Chris Wilson27 mins
City do get Haaland involved now, as the overlapping Reijnders clips back a cross and the Norwegian sees his header deflected behind.
Nothing comes of the corner though.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
18:00 , Chris Wilson25 mins
City have looked in the ascendancy over the last few minutes but it still hasn’t clicked in attack, with a couple of crosses meant for Haaland not making their target.
The hosts win a corner that seems to be some sort of routine aimed at Rodri, but his header floats harmlessly wide and past O’Reilly on the stretch.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:55 , Chris Wilson21 mins
CHANCE! And a chance for City at the other end right away!
They sweep it wide to Reijnders, who looks up and squares a lovely pass to Foden on the edge of the area.
His touch takes it away from a sliding challenge and he fires another shot that looks like it’s destined for the back of the net, but there’s a last-second block to take it wide!
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:54 , Chris Wilson20 mins
CHANCE! The best chance of the match so far falls to the visitors, as Neto stands up Nunes and fires in a cross. It comes to Estevao and he fires a goalbound shot but it is blocked by a sliding challenge from Gvardiol!
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:52 , Chris Wilson18 mins
There’s a little bit of space behind the City midfield and Chelsea are trying to exploit it, and they’ve come close on a couple of occasions.
They nearly have another opening too but Pedro is closed down well by Rodri.
At the same time, the visitors have set up very narrow, forcing City to spread it wide rather than finding gaps in the middle.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:49 , Richard Jolly at the EtihadThe latest from Richard Jolly, who is in place at the Etihad:
“Chelsea have got through the first 15 minutes without City having a shot. A Calum McFarlane defensive masterclass.”
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:48 , Chris Wilson15 mins
Just under 69 per cent possession for the hosts so far, so it’s beginning to become apparent how Chelsea will have to play this game.
The visitors have barely been able to get out of their half over the last few minutes.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:45 , Chris Wilson12 mins
First dangerous free-kick of the day as Cherki skips past Fernandez and James is forced to take him down outside the box.
Cherki and Foden stand over it from around 25 yards out – the Frenchman clips it in but Fernandez puts it out for a corner.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:43 , Chris Wilson9 mins
Reijnders takes it down in the box well but there’s no space for the shot. City re-work the ball wide to Silva, who tries to combine with Foden but can’t get onto the return pass.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:42 , Chris Wilson7 mins
City started pretty slowly by their standards but they’re now starting to dominate the ball, while also winning it back very quickly when they do lose it.
Chelsea looked pretty settled only minutes ago but they’re now a little more rushed.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:40 , Richard Jolly at the EtihadThe latest from Richard Jolly, who is in place at the Etihad:
“This must be all rather surreal for Calum McFarlane, stood in a technical area, a few yards from Pep Guardiola, presiding over a team compiled for hundreds of millions of pounds.”
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:38 , Chris Wilson4 mins
Acheampong glances a header towards the back post and Gvardiol is there to clear almost off the line, but there was a foul on Donnarumma anyway.
The Blues win the ball back quickly though, and they’ve started pretty well so far.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:36 , Chris Wilson2 mins
A few touches for both sides in defence and midfield, with Chelsea clearly looking to press high if they get the chance.
They’ve forced a couple of early errors from City defenders already, and the second earns the visitors a corner.
KICK-OFF! Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:34 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway at the Etihad! What sort of performance can Chelsea produce in a match they’re widely expected to lose?
Man City vs Chelsea live
17:27 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are coming out of the tunnel at the Etihad, so we’ll be underway soon here!
McFarlane: 'Always difficult when a manager goes'
17:25 , Chris WilsonInterim Chelsea boss Calum McFarlane says he is “feeling good, feeling calm” ahead of the match.
“We've got some good days training in and done some good prep. The lads are in a good place and we're really looking forward to the game.
"We've just tried to get the feeling in the group right. It is always difficult when a manager goes, especially one that has been successful and had some good times. We've tried to pick them emotionally and socially, tried to get the preparation right for a really tough game. We're really pleased with how the last two games have gone.
"You have to find the balance. You have to get prepared for a game against a top side but you also have to get prepared emotionally, make sure the lads feel comfortable and in a good place."
On how he picked the side, he explains: "As the 21s coach you are really close to it, watching every game, so you kind of have a feeling of how the players are performing, you have an idea of injuries and loading too. All these things come into it and ultimately try to pick the team that can do the best job on the day.
Man City vs Chelsea live
17:23 , Chris Wilson
Premier League results today
17:20 , Chris WilsonHere’s the full list of today’s results in the Premier League, with the 3pm matches having ended over the last few minutes.
Leeds United 1-1 Manchester United
Everton 2-4 Brentford
Tottenham 1-1 Sunderland
Newcastle 2-0 Crystal Palace
Fulham 2-2 Liverpool
Guardiola 'cannot predict' Chelsea
17:18 , Chris WilsonHere’s what City boss Pep Gurdiola has to say ahead of kick-off:
“The games are more consistent across the 90 minutes. Last game was a good 45 minutes but not across the whole game but that is normal in the incredibly busy schedule, with only a few rotations that we can make. It is a period to survive and try to take points and be there.
On Rodri's return: "He is an exceptional player and the only question mark is if he can play every three days when he has been injured for more than a year and a half. We are in real trouble but to have a lot of absence makes the team stronger. Doku came back after weeks and made 30 minutes in the last game but also still lots injured, Bobb, Stones, but what we have got to do with what we have."
On Chelsea: "No I cannot predict, but I can predict the quality that they have in the squad. After five minutes we will know anyway but it will not change much because managers do not have much time. Nine, ten years here and we do not have much time to train, so imagine two or three days, so it is normal some patterns will be the same."
James: 'Always a difficult moment'
17:13 , Chris WilsonReece James has been speaking to Sky ahead of kick-off, and this is what he had to say:
“It's always a difficult moment when a club experiences such a thing as parting ways with a manager. A lot of us have experienced something like this before, so we need to use that experience and prepare right for the game,” he says on the departure of Maresca.
"The staff from the U21s have been great since they've come into our set up. I try to help them as much as possible and to help the team and I hope I can do that on the pitch today.
"City are one of the best teams in the world. Coming here is always tough. Having a change in manager has probably added a bit of fuel to the fire but we are an exceptional team, we've beaten some of the best tams in Europe and we are ready."
On Enzo Maresca himself, he adds: "I played a lot of football under him, probably my most in a good few years. We won two big trophies together. It was super enjoyable to play under him."
Maresca's Chelsea record
17:08 , Chris WilsonIn 92 matches as Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca won 55 and drew 16, with a win percentage of 59.8 per cent. That’s the highest since Thomas Tuchel's reign in 2021/22.
Chelsea finished fourth in the league in the Italian’s first season in charge, which was their highest league finish since 2021/22, and they also won the Conference League and Fifa Club World Cup last season.
How the table looks
17:00 , Chris WilsonThis is a huge match for both sides of course, though for very different reasons given their respective circumstances.
A win would put City back within four points of leaders Arsenal, with a draw leaving them six points adrift of the top.
A win for the visitors would mean they rise back into fifth after Manchester United overtook them earlier today with a draw against Leeds.
In fact, a win for the Blues could even take them level on points with fourth-placed Liverpool depending on how that game pans out.
Match stats
16:50 , Chris WilsonCity have won their last eight Premier League home games, netting 3+ goals in seven of those including the last five in a row.
Chelsea have won just one of their last seven Premier League games (D4 L2), having won five of their previous six (L1).
Team news
16:36 , Richard Jolly at the EtihadThe latest from The Independent’s Richard Jolly, who is in place at the Etihad ahead of kick-off.
“Calum McFarlane names a team for a major Premier League game, which may not happen again. There is no Robert Sanchez, with Filip Jorgensen in goal instead. Josh Acheampong is an interesting choice in a team with three right-backs.
“For Manchester City, Rodri is back in the starting 11 for the first time in almost three months.”
Team news
16:26 , Chris WilsonInterim Chelsea boss Calum McFarlane has made five changes to the side that drew to Bournemouth in midweek.
In goal, Robert Sanchez makes way for Filip Jorgensen, with the Spaniard not even on the bench for the Blues. In defence, Wesley Fofana comes out for Benoit Badiashile, with the Frenchman also not on the subs bench.
Reece James partners Enzo Fernandez in midfield in the absence of the suspended Moises Caicedo, while Pedro Neto is preferred to Alejandro Garnacho on the wing and Liam Delap makes way for Joao Pedro up top.
Team news
16:22 , Chris WilsonPep Guardiola has made just three changes to the side that drew to Sunderland last time out.
In defence, Josko Gvardiol returns in place of Nathan Ake, while key midfielder Rodri takes the place of the injured Nico Gonzalez in the middle of the park.
Savinho makes way for Tijjani Reijnders in the final change, with the Dutchman in midfield and Phil Foden moving into a more advanced role.
Line-ups
16:17 , Chris WilsonChelsea XI: Jorgensen; Acheampong, Chalobah, Badiashile, Gusto; Fernandez, James; Estevao, Palmer, Neto; Joao Pedro.
Subs: Slonina, Merrick, Tosin, Hato, Santos, Garnacho, Gittens, Delap, Guiu.
Tonight’s team news! 🔵#CFC | #MCICHE pic.twitter.com/vekdkThoQa
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 4, 2026
Line-ups
16:16 , Chris WilsonMan City XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly, Rodri, Bernardo (C), Reijnders, Foden, Cherki, Haaland.
Subs: Trafford; Ake, Doku, McAidoo, Khusanov, Mukasa, Lewis, R. Heskey, Mfuni.
Your City side to face Chelsea 🩵
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 4, 2026
XI | Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly, Rodri, Bernardo (C), Reijnders, Foden, Cherki, Haaland
SUBS | Trafford, Ake, Doku, Khusanov, McAidoo, Mukasa, Lewis, Mfuni, R. Heskey
🤝 @etihad pic.twitter.com/8rPhMnvfR0
Team news
16:10 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups should be released in the next five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news...
With Jeremy Doku and Rodri returning from injuries against Sunderland, City lost Savinho and Nico Gonzalez to injury.
The duo could join Oscar Bobb (hamstring), John Stones (thigh) and Mateo Kovacic (heel) on the sidelines, with Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait Nouri unavailable due to their involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Marc Cucurella has returned to training, but faces a late fitness test. Moises Caicedo is banned as he serves a one-match suspension. That would mean Andrey Santos, Reece James or Malo Gusto partnering Enzo Fernandez. Dario Essugo, Romeo Lavia, Levi Colwill and Jorrel Hato are all still out injured.
Head-to-head
15:55 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have met a total of 180 times in the past, with City winning 68, Chelsea winning 71 and 41 ending as draws.
Chelsea have lost nine out of the last 11 meetings between the two, including both of last season’s games – 2-0 at home in August 2024 and 3-1 away just over a year ago.
Match stats
15:40 , Chris WilsonCity are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League games against Chelsea (W6 D2), their joint-longest run without defeat against the Blues in their league history (also 8 between 1936 and 1949).
City have only failed to score in one of their last 22 Premier League games against Chelsea, losing 2-0 at Stamford Bridge in December 2018.
Having won four consecutive away league games against Man City between 2005 and 2008, Chelsea have now won just three of their last 16 visits to the Etihad (D2 L11).
Chelsea interim head coach Calum McFarlane: ‘It’s been a crazy 24 hours’
15:25 , Chris WilsonChelsea interim head coach Calum McFarlane described a “crazy 24 hours” after he was asked to step up from the under-21s to lead the first team away to Manchester City on Sunday.
The former Southampton youth coach was called into the club’s Cobham training centre at around lunchtime on Thursday shortly after the decision was taken to part company with Enzo Maresca, and told he would be in charge at the Etihad.
After a pass was hurriedly prepared to enable him to access the first-team building, he led training with the squad on Friday ahead of the journey to Manchester.
Chelsea interim head coach Calum McFarlane: ‘It’s been a crazy 24 hours’
‘Just a rumour’: Why Enzo Maresca to Man City never made any sense
15:10 , Richard JollyIf Enzo Maresca’s last contribution as a Manchester City employee was to help them secure the treble in 2023, his most recent input to the discourse around the Etihad Stadium feels more unwelcome. The apparent indications that City’s former assistant manager had spoken to his old club about the possibility of replacing Pep Guardiola raised the issue of the Spaniard’s future.
Which has lingered in the background; as, indeed, it has for much of a reign that has extended for far longer than he originally envisaged. The Catalan shrugged off the idea that his old assistant had talked to City. “Why would I give you an update about an opinion that I don't know is about this opinion?” he said. “It's just a rumour.”
‘Just a rumour’: Why Enzo Maresca to Man City never made any sense
Enzo Maresca’s hurried exit shows that Chelsea are still a club of chaos
14:55 , Jamie BraidwoodThe Italian won two trophies during his time as head coach but his departure points to the enduring instability at Stamford Bridge, writes Richard Jolly
Enzo Maresca’s hurried exit shows that Chelsea are still a club of chaos
Enzo Maresca leaves Chelsea in shock exit as Blues line up potential next manager
14:40 , Jamie BraidwoodIt’s rarely quiet at Stamford Bridge but Chelsea descended into chaos this week as Enzo Maresca left the club a month after he was named Premier League manager of the month.
The Italian had even made a known dissatisfaction with his situation public, having made a cryptic comment about his “worst 48 hours” at the club after the 2-0 win over Everton on 13 December. This was understood to relate to his relationship with the hierarchy, and frustration over a perceived lack of support. The Independent had nevertheless been told that there was increased scrutiny on Maresca’s performance since September, despite trophy wins in the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup last season.
Enzo Maresca leaves Chelsea in shock exit as Blues line up potential next manager
How can I watch it?
14:34 , Jamie BraidwoodViewers in the UK can watch the match on television with Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League and find a live online stream through Sky Go and Sky Go Extra. Coverage starts at 5pm GMT.
Is Man City v Chelsea on TV? Where to watch Premier League fixture
What is the Chelsea team news?
14:32 , Jamie BraidwoodMarc Cucurella has returned to training, but faces a late fitness test. Moises Caicedo is banned as he serves a one-match suspension. That would mean Andrey Santos, Reece James or Malo Gusto partnering Enzo Fernandez. Dario Essugo, Romeo Lavia, Levi Colwill and Jorrel Hato are all still out injured.
Possible Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Fernandez, James; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Joao Pedro
What is the Man City team news?
14:31 , Jamie BraidwoodWith Jeremy Doku and Rodri returning from injuries against Sunderland, City lost Savinho and Nico Gonzalez to injury.
The duo could join Oscar Bobb (hamstring), John Stones (thigh) and Mateo Kovacic (heel) on the sidelines, with Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait Nouri unavailable due to their involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Possible Man City XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Silva, Rodri, Reijnders; Cherki, Foden; Haaland
Good afternoon
14:30 , Jamie BraidwoodChelsea head to Manchester City after a turbulent start to 2026 with Enzo Maresca sacked and the project thrown into serious doubt.
As the Blues search for a new manager, with Calum McFarlane serving as their interim boss, Pep Guardiola’s City aim to keep in touch with Premier League leaders Arsenal, who stretched their lead to four points earlier this week.
City’s stalemate with Sunderland has given Mikel Arteta’s side a cushion, but with the Blues struggling, having failed to win any of their last three in the league, including the 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth last time out, they risk losing more ground in the fight to finish inside the top four.
A 3-1 win for City in their last meeting in January last year extended a winless run for the Blues against their rivals to 11 games since victory in the Champions League final in Porto in 2021.
