Blues fans on the Chelsea Official App voted for Enzo Fernandez as our Player of the Match following last night’s 1-1 draw away to Manchester City, and here we look in closer detail at the midfielder’s display.
Enzo picked up 58 per cent of the vote in our post-match poll, securing the prize after an imperious performance from midfield that saw all aspects of his game tested, from defence to attack.
Last-gasp equaliser
What a finale it was at the Etihad! The Blues came from a goal down to secure a point at a place that hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Chelsea – our last victory there came back in 2021, and our last draw back in February 2024.
And Enzo Fernandez was certainly a catalyst for that, but before we talk about his effect throughout the game, we should start with his most important contribution.
With the contest heading into the fourth minute of added time, Malo Gusto poked the ball past the onrushing Nico O’Reilly before delivering a wicked ball towards the Argentine midfielder at the back post. Enzo had three stabs at trying to poke it past Gianluigi Donnarumma, and was successful with his final effort, before wheeling away to celebrate with the travelling supporters.
That goal meant that Enzo has now scored six times in the Premier League this season – matching his best tally from last season – and no other Chelsea player has more. It was also his 15th strike in the competition, with only four Argentine midfielders recording more in the Premier League.
Interestingly, it was the latest equaliser or winner Man City have conceded at home in the Premier League since December 2023. While it also continued our impressive record this season in front of goal, having scored in 18 of our 20 games, with only Arsenal (19) having scored goals in more matches in the Premier League this season.
Tackling titan
Alongside his effect on the scoreline, Enzo Fernandez had an equally impressive performance defensively.
In what was his 101st Premier League appearance, the midfielder made seven tackles – his most in any game in the competition.
Six of those tackles came in the first half, when he featured in a deeper position, before the introduction of Andrey Santos at the break, which saw Enzo move into a more attacking spot.
From his position alongside Reece James at the base of midfield at kick-off, you can see in the graphic above how the number eight is leading the line from the left-hand side by full-time.
That move helped the Blues gain a hold of the ball. After the break, Chelsea held 54.5 per cent of the possession after recording just 31.7 per cent of the ball in the opening 45 minutes, and Enzo was a crucial part of that swing.
