Calum McFarlane: I can’t speak highly enough about characters in Chelsea group

Temporary boss Calum McFarlane paid tribute to the Chelsea players after they shrugged off a week of turmoil to snatch an unexpected draw at Manchester City.

Enzo Fernandez scored a stoppage-time equaliser as Chelsea, despite the unsettling nature of manager Enzo Maresca’s sudden departure on New Year’s Day, put a dent in City’s title bid at the Etihad Stadium.

Tijjani Reijnders had looked to have secured a hard-fought victory for the home side as they sought to cut the gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal back to four points, but Chelsea were rewarded for a resilient display as the game ended 1-1.

McFarlane, the under-21 coach suddenly thrust into the limelight as interim manager, is now expected to make way for Liam Rosenior before Wednesday’s trip to Fulham.

Strasbourg head coach Rosenior reportedly flew to London on Sunday ahead of meeting the Chelsea hierarchy on Monday. Chelsea declined to comment on the reports.

However, McFarlane coped superbly as he pitted his wits against the vastly-decorated Pep Guardiola, although he was keen for the players to take the praise.

McFarlane said: “There’s a lot of change that’s gone on. Enzo was incredibly successful with this group and some of them were shocked by the decision.

“So the character that they’ve shown in the last two days, and the character that they’ve shown today – Reece (James) is a big one, Tosin (Adarabioyo), Enzo (Fernandez), they’ve really dragged the group together.

“Everyone thought we were coming here to lose. No-one thought we stood a chance.

In the dugout.