Chelsea player ratings vs Man City: Enzo Fernandez to the rescue! Manager-less Blues battle to late draw as Reece James shines while Pedro Neto endures a nightmare | Goal.com Malaysia

Chelsea player ratings vs Man City: Enzo Fernandez to the rescue! Manager-less Blues battle to late draw as Reece James shines while Pedro Neto endures a nightmare | Goal.com Malaysia

Arthur Jones
Arthur Jones
Published: Jan 05, 2026

Enzo Fernandez's stoppage-time equaliser helped manager-less Chelsea smuggle a point back to London in a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Manchester City. Tijjani Reijnders looked to have secured victory for the Premier League title chasers, but Fernandez's late goal ensured the Blues bounced back from the sacking of Enzo Maresca.

Manchester City v Chelsea - Premier LeagueGetty Images Sport

Goalkeeper & Defence

Filip Jorgensen (6/10):

The goalkeeper was handed a rare Premier League start off the back of Sanchez's injury and gave a good account of himself.

Josh Acheampong (7/10):

The young defender made some great covering tackles and showed good pace to keep up with the flying Haaland.

Trevoh Chalobah (6/10):

Was chasing shadows at times, but still did a competent enough job in a backline that was under a lot of pressure.

Benoit Badiashile (5/10):

His passing out from the back leaves much to be desired, but other than that, he did okay.

Malo Gusto (6/10):

With Cucurella out injured, the young full-back didn't have much joy in the first half, but seemed better suited to the right wing-back role in the second period.

Manchester City v Chelsea - Premier LeagueGetty Images Sport

Midfield

Reece James (7/10):

The Chelsea captain has been one of the few positives for the Blues in recent weeks, but he looked a bit leggy in the first half against City's commanding midfield. He did get stuck in and gave his team a real chance in the second, however.

Enzo Fernandez (8/10):

The Argentina international seemed like he was in a losing midfield battle in the first half but he was able to walk out of the Etihad with his head held high after an impressive display in the centre of the park. Plus, he grabbed a crucial equaliser at the death.

Cole Palmer (5/10):

Didn't really get going against his old club, something that was summed up by his air shot late on.

Manchester City v Chelsea - Premier LeagueGetty Images Sport

Attack

Estevao (5/10):

The teenager had a great start to life at Chelsea, but he appears to be finding things a bit more difficult at present. Barely had a kick and was subbed at the break.

Joao Pedro (5/10):

His touch let him down, and he didn't lead Chelsea's attack very well, hence being replaced by Delap.

Pedro Neto (4/10):

Had a very frustrating game, with some of his decision-making a tad baffling. The Portuguese got into good positions but wasted almost every chance.

Manchester City v Chelsea - Premier LeagueGetty Images Sport

Subs & Manager

Andrey Santos (7/10):

Gave Chelsea's midfield a bit more control and substance.

Liam Delap (7/10):

Was a real handful off the bench, using his pace and power to good effect.

Jorrel Hato (6/10):

Was a bit sloppy initially but made a vital interception to deny Bernardo.

Calum McFarlane(8/10):

The interim coach saw his players put in an insipid first-half display, but he tweaked their formation around, made some changes, and saw a much better second-half performance. He was quite rightly delighted when they snatched a point at the end, too.