PREMIER LEAGUE
London, Jan 5: Stoppage-time goals dominated a dramatic Premier League evening, with Chelsea denying Manchester City victory at the Etihad Stadium before Fulham struck even later to snatch a thrilling draw against Liverpool at Craven Cottage.
Fernandez rescues Chelsea as City falter again
Enzo Fernandez struck deep into stoppage time as Chelsea capped a chaotic week with a hard-earned and thoroughly deserved point against title-chasing Manchester City.
Interim head coach Calum McFarlane, usually in charge of Chelsea’s Under-21s, oversaw his first senior match following Enzo Maresca’s departure on Thursday and watched his side frustrate City for long spells before finding a dramatic equaliser late on.
City looked set for victory after Tijjani Reijnders fired the hosts ahead just before the break, collecting a loose ball on the edge of the area, gliding past Benoit Badiashile and drilling a low finish inside the near post.
It was the Dutch midfielder’s third goal in four games.
Pep Guardiola’s side had dominated the closing stages of the first half, with Erling Haaland twice going close — first forcing Filip Jorgensen into a sharp recovery save after a deflection, then crashing a fierce effort against the post.Chelsea, set up in a disciplined low block, grew into the contest after the interval.
Pedro Neto squandered a gilt-edged chance from close range, while substitute Liam Delap tested Gianluigi Donnarumma as the visitors pushed higher up the pitch.
Their persistence paid off in the dying moments when Fernandez reacted quickest at the far post, poking home at the third attempt from a low cross to spark wild celebrations among the travelling support.
The draw leaves City six points adrift of leaders Arsenal after back-to-back stalemates, having also been held goalless by Sunderland in midweek.
Guardiola’s men had won eight straight league games at the Etihad and were closing in on a ninth before another late lapse proved costly.
There was further concern for City with defender Josko Gvardiol forced off injured in the second half, while Haaland’s goal drought continued, the prolific Norwegian now without a goal in three matches.
For Chelsea, the result offered encouragement amid recent turmoil. Despite missing key figures including Wesley Fofana and Robert Sanchez, and with several injured players travelling to show support, the Blues looked united and competitive.
Reed’s thunderbolt stuns Liverpool at the death
Harrison Reed produced a moment of pure brilliance in the seventh minute of stoppage time to rescue Fulham a point in a pulsating draw against Liverpool. The midfielder, scoring his first Premier League goal in almost three years, unleashed a stunning 30-yard strike into the top corner just moments after Liverpool thought they had secured victory.
Fulham had taken the lead midway through the first half when Raul Jimenez’s clever flick sent Harry Wilson through to beat Alisson Becker, the goal eventually standing after a VAR review overturned an offside call.
Liverpool responded strongly after the interval. Cody Gakpo had an early effort ruled out, while Alexis Mac Allister struck the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Persistence finally paid off in the 57th minute when Florian Wirtz’s composed finish, following a Conor Bradley cut-back, was awarded after another VAR check.
The visitors appeared to have sealed the win in stoppage time when Jeremie Frimpong’s deep cross evaded Joachim Andersen, allowing Gakpo to turn in at the far post.
But Fulham refused to surrender. With seconds remaining, substitute Reed stepped forward and produced a breathtaking strike from distance to ensure a share of the spoils and spark delirium inside Craven Cottage.
Liverpool remain fourth on 34 points, having missed the chance to strengthen their grip on the Champions League places, while Fulham climb to 11th, level on points with Everton. (Agencies)
