Manchester City’s Premier League title challenge suffered a major blow on Sunday as managerless Chelsea held the champions to a dramatic 1-1 draw, while Fulham’s Harrison Reed struck deep into stoppage time to earn a thrilling 2-2 draw against Liverpool.
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City’s failure to secure all three points left Pep Guardiola’s side six points behind leaders Arsenal, who strengthened their grip on the title race with a 3-2 win at Bournemouth on Saturday.
At the Etihad Stadium, City appeared on course for victory after Tijjani Reijnders gave the hosts a 42nd-minute lead. However, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez stunned the home crowd with a stoppage-time equaliser, salvaging a point for the visitors.
Chelsea were led by Under-21 coach Calum McFarlane following the club’s decision to part ways with head coach Enzo Maresca earlier in the week. Despite the turmoil, the Blues delivered a resilient performance to frustrate Guardiola’s side.
“Chelsea is a world-class team with top-quality players,” Guardiola said. “To control such a team for 90 minutes is extremely difficult. We had chances in the second half but couldn’t finish the game.”
City, who host Brighton on Wednesday, are now winless in two league matches after also drawing 0-0 with Sunderland on January 1. Guardiola said his side would hope for help from Liverpool when they face Arsenal later this week.
At Craven Cottage, Liverpool missed the chance to strengthen their hold on a top-four place. Fulham took the lead through former Liverpool winger Harry Wilson before the visitors responded with goals from Florian Wirtz and a dramatic 94th-minute strike by Cody Gakpo.
But Fulham had the final say as Reed unleashed a stunning long-range effort moments later, sealing a 2-2 draw and his first goal in three years. Liverpool remain three points clear of fifth-placed Chelsea and are unbeaten in nine matches in all competitions.
Elsewhere, Manchester United avoided defeat against rivals Leeds United at Elland Road, with Matheus Cunha cancelling out Brenden Aaronson’s opener in a 1-1 draw. United boss Ruben Amorim sparked speculation about his future after suggesting he may leave when his contract expires in 18 months.
Tottenham’s struggles continued with a 1-1 home draw against Sunderland, while Brentford climbed to seventh after Igor Thiago’s hat-trick powered a 4-2 win at Everton. Newcastle United rounded off the action with a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at St James’ Park.
