Calum McFarlane hails Chelsea character after late Etihad rescue

Thrust into the spotlight following Enzo Maresca's departure on New Year's Day, McFarlane oversaw a disciplined display that ended with a stoppage-time equaliser at the Etihad Stadium.

Chelsea looked set to leave empty-handed after Tijjani Reijnders had given City the lead, a goal that appeared to put Pep Guardiola's side on course for a vital win in the title race. But the visitors refused to fold, and their pressure was rewarded when Enzo Fernandez struck late on to secure an unexpected point.

McFarlane was keen to highlight how his squad responded to the sudden change. "There's a lot of change that's gone on," he said. "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, has been outstanding."

The interim boss singled out senior figures for pulling the group together. "Reece is a big one, Tosin, Enzo - they've really dragged the group together,"

McFarlane added. "Everyone thought we were coming here to lose. No-one thought we stood a chance.

"But we knew the character and the talent in this group. I can't speak highly enough about the characters in the group."

McFarlane is expected to step aside with Liam Rosenior tipped to take charge ahead of Chelsea's trip to Fulham.

For Manchester City, the draw left them six points behind leaders Arsenal, while Guardiola admitted frustration at missed chances. "We were extraordinary in all departments except we could not score the second," he said. "At the end they found the reward."