‘I don’t have a crystal ball’ – damaging few days for Man City?

On a chilly Sunday evening in the Premier League title race, Chelsea’s stoppage-time equalizer against Manchester City felt monumental.

As they continued to put pressure on leaders Arsenal, Pep Guardiola’s team were on the verge of a ninth straight top-flight home victory as the clock was ticking away.

City wilted when Enzo Fernandez scored the winner in the 94th minute, bundling home at the far post to delirious and the visiting fans stunned at the break.

Chelsea players’ shoulders swelled as they embraced an unlikely point while City players were aware they had lost four important points in as many days during a turbulent week under the leadership of Enzo Maresca.

Arsenal have received a significant boost thanks to their move six points clear of both City and Aston Villa, who made a statement of intent by defeating Unai Emery’s side last week and beating Bournemouth on Saturday.

When asked about the title race, Guardiola replied, “I don’t have a crystal ball looking at what will happen in the future.” The only thing I’m thinking about is getting the players ready for Brighton on Wednesday. We were undoubtedly closer.

Due to City’s failure to win consecutive games for the second time this season, the atmosphere inside the Etihad at full-time resembled one of deflation rather than the anticipated elation.

Guardiola’s side have won all 10 of their previous ten games, but the draws from their previous two could have a significant impact when the season comes to an end.

The outcomes from the first week of 2026 seem crucial when considering where the title might end up, especially since City are looking to reclaim the title after failing to win silverware last season.

Guardiola was given the final three points by interim manager Calum McFarlane, the under-21s coach who was in charge of his first senior game. City was unable to hold on against a tenacious Chelsea side despite leading the way.

Former City goalkeeper Shay Given reported to BBC Sport, “It’s a fantastic result for Chelsea, with no manager.” And Arsenal, who are now six points clear, are delighted with the outcome and week.

“This is a huge season for City,” said City, who dropped four points in the final two games. With such a busy schedule, we always say Christmas and the new year are important, and Manchester City hasn’t had a great holiday season.

Erling Haaland has scored 38 goals for the club and country this season, but his recent lack of goals in his previous three games has proved crucial.

The Norwegian struggled to hit the post in the first half despite being shackled for extended by Chelsea’s backline, but the home side looked to have doubled their lead in the second.

However, they were unable to be clinical enough in the closing third, so Fernandez’s late equalizer ended a City clean sheet and gave the lead to Arsenal.

Former City defender Micah Richards stated on Sky Sports, “Manchester City will be kicking themselves.” With the chances they gave up, they are aware that they should have scored three points today.

They are typically more brutal, they say. What has changed, you ask yourself as you watch it? In a few games, Bahrain has not scored, and Rayan Cherki appears to be struggling but not the finished product. Today, they are solely to blame for themselves.

Gary Neville, a former Manchester United defender, said on Sky Sports: “Pep Guardiola could smell it. Fans of the city could smell it. Chelsea, however, is unlikely to be able to. City had to score the game with 2-0.

City finished a disappointing first season with a string of injuries, and now they are stacking up once more, with Guardiola claiming they “have a lot” of players who are unresponsive.

While Mateo Kovacic is out for the long-term, defender John Stones hasn’t played since December 2 and winger Oscar Bobb limped off against Brentford on December 17.

After having issues in the draw at the Stadium of Light this week, Nico Gonzalez and Savinho were both unable to play for Chelsea, and the issues only got worse on Sunday.

Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, Guardiola’s first-choice centre-back pairing, may not be available, according to Guardiola, who claimed on BBC Radio 5 Live that their appearance “does not look good” and that they could be sidelined “for a few weeks.”

Ruben and Josko will now be out, according to the Spaniard, who added, “John Stones has been missing for I don’t know how long.”

As we are aware, “Nathan]Ake] cannot play frequently. We will find a solution to the issue that occurred last season. There will be a spirit there.

When asked if City would be entering the transfer market for more signings, Guardiola replied, “I don’t think so, but we’ll see what happens. City are close to signing winger Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth for £65 million.”