Enzo Fernández scored a stoppage-time equalizer as managerless Chelsea snatched a 1-1 draw at title-chasing Manchester City on Sunday.

The Blues shrugged off several days of turmoil following the sudden departure of Enzo Maresca on New Year's Day to deal a blow to City's hopes of catching Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Tijjani Reijnders had put the home side on course for what seemed a hard-fought win at the Etihad Stadium with a goal in the closing stages of the first half, but Fernandez had the final say. As Chelsea began showing more urgency in stoppage time, Malo Gusto drove the ball into the box and Fernandez pounced despite initially being denied by Donnarumma.

It was a triumph for Chelsea under-21 coach Calum McFarlane, who was suddenly thrust into the limelight and handed the tough task of facing the vastly decorated Pep Guardiola.

With the appointment of Liam Rosenior as Maresca's replacement expected imminently, McFarlane is likely to return to his role for the U-21 team.

The result leaves City six points behind the Gunners at the summit.

Already without Moisés Caicedo because of a suspension, McFarlane's assignment got even tougher when defender Marc Cucurella and goalkeeper Robert Sánchez were ruled out because of injury.

City were the dominant side but struggled to break through Chelsea's stubborn rearguard in a tight opening half, and it was the visitors who had the first opportunity when Estevao had a shot blocked.

That prompted City to lift the tempo, and Phil Foden showed nice footwork in the area before dragging an effort wide.

The pace quickened further as halftime approached and Bernardo Silva curled over before Erling Haaland had a deflected shot palmed away by goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.

Rodri, making his first start since October, grew in influence and won the ball to feed Haaland for another chance, but the Norwegian was denied by a post.

The opener came three minutes before the interval as Rayan Cherki's intended pass for Haaland was cut out and rebounded into the path of Reijnders.

The Dutchman seized the opportunity and drifted around Benoît Badiashile before smashing the ball past Jorgensen.

Chelsea almost tied it after the break, but Pedro Neto spurned the chance after good work by Fernandez and Cole Palmer.

City suffered a blow as Josko Gvardiol limped off injured, although there was a touch of good sportsmanship as Chelsea captain Reece James helped the Croatian off the field.

Haaland ran at the Chelsea defense before having a shot blocked by Badiashile, and former City striker Liam Delap forced a save from Gianluigi Donnarumma at the other end.

Delap let his frustration show when he pushed Abdukodir Khusanov into the advertising hoardings after another run came to nothing and players from both sides became involved in heated exchanges.