Manchester City's title aspirations suffered another setback as Enzo Fernandez struck deep into stoppage time to secure a 1-1 draw for managerless Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium.
Tijjani Reijnders had given the hosts the lead in the first half with a powerful left-footed strike, but Pep Guardiola's side were unable to hold on despite dominating possession throughout the contest.
The Argentine midfielder pounced in the dying moments after Malo Gusto's cross caused chaos in the City penalty area, with Fernandez eventually bundling the ball past Gianluigi Donnarumma at the second attempt.
The dropped points leave City trailing Premier League leaders Arsenal by six points, with the Gunners having won at Bournemouth on Saturday.
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Chelsea arrived at the Etihad in turmoil following the sudden departure of Enzo Maresca on New Year's Day, with Under-21s head coach Calum McFarlane thrust into the dugout for his first senior match.
The Italian manager paid the price for a dismal run that saw the Blues claim just a single victory from their previous six league fixtures, including a 2-2 home draw against Bournemouth in his final game in charge.
Maresca had previously been mentioned as a potential successor to Guardiola should the Spaniard leave City, but his tenure ended abruptly after Chelsea's form collapsed.
Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior has emerged as the leading candidate to take the permanent role at Stamford Bridge.
Tijjani Reijnders of Manchester City celebrates after scoring
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Reijnders broke the deadlock in the 44th minute, collecting a pass intended for Erling Haaland and creating space before firing a rising shot into the roof of the net from the left side of the box.
The Dutch midfielder's strike came after City had been frustrated by resolute Chelsea defending, with Reece James and Gusto particularly impressive in repelling wave after wave of attacks.
Haaland came agonisingly close to doubling the advantage, rattling a left-footed effort against the inside of the post before watching it roll across the goalline and away to safety.
Josko Gvardiol was forced off with an ankle injury early in the second half, adding to City's defensive concerns with John Stones already sidelined.
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Calum McFarlane, Interim Manager of Chelsea, reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea
|GETTY
Chelsea's point represented a creditable result given the circumstances, with McFarlane's defensive approach frustrating City for long periods before the visitors grew more adventurous in the closing stages.
The result extends Chelsea's winless run against City to 12 matches in all competitions since their Champions League final triumph in Porto in 2021.
City had entered the fixture seven points behind Arsenal following the leaders' dramatic victory on the south coast, and their failure to win at home has only widened the gap in the title race.
Liam Delap, the former City academy product now at Chelsea, was involved in a heated exchange with his old teammates during a fractious final ten minutes.
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