Manchester City 1-1 Chelsea: Pep Guardiola says he does not have a “crystal ball”

The mood inside the Etihad Stadium looked throughout to be one of deflation rather than the expected jubilation, as City failed to win consecutive matches for only the second time this season.

Guardiola’s side are unbeaten in their last 10 matches in all competitions, but draws in their last two games could be important at the end of the season.

Arsenal are aiming for a first Premier League victory in more than two decades, while City are looking to reclaim the title after failing to win silverware last season – results in the first week of 2026 look important when considering where the title could end up.

Despite their lead, City were unable to withstand a stubborn Chelsea side led by interim coach Callum Macfarlane, the Under-21 coach who was in charge of his first match in charge and denied Guardiola the three points.

“It’s a great result for Chelsea, without a coach,” former City goalkeeper Shay Given told BBC Sport. “It’s a great result and week for Arsenal, who are six points ahead now.

He added, “City losing four points in their last two games is huge at this time of the season. We always say that Christmas and New Year, with a busy schedule, are very important and it was not a great festive period for Manchester City.”

Erling Haaland has had a prolific campaign scoring 38 goals for club and country this season, but has now failed to score in his past three matches, something that has proven pivotal.

The Norwegian was pinned down for long periods by Chelsea’s backline and hit the post in the first half, while he was not happy in the second half as the hosts looked to double their lead.

But they were unable to be decisive enough in the final third and Fernandes’ late equalizer not only snatched an equalizer for Chelsea, but also spoiled City’s clean sheet and handed the initiative to Arsenal.

“Manchester City will be kicking themselves,” former City defender Micah Richards told Sky Sports. “They know they should have got three points today with the chances they created.

“They’re usually harsher. You look at them and think: What’s changed?” Haaland hasn’t scored in a few games, Phil Foden has almost missed, and Ryan Chergui has looked very difficult but not the finished product. They only have themselves to blame today.”

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville added on Sky Sports: “Pep Guardiola can smell it. City fans can smell it. I don’t think Chelsea can though. City needed to make it 2-0.”

“It was a big goal for Chelsea, and a big goal for Arsenal.”