Former England defender Micah Richards singled out striker Liam Delap as the catalyst for Chelsea's dramatic late comeback in their 1-1 Premier League draw with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Spirited Chelsea Salvage Late Point
The match, played on January 5, 2026, saw City take the lead just before half-time through Tijjani Reijnders. The midfielder's 42nd-minute strike beat Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen at his near post, putting the hosts in control.
However, Chelsea, under the temporary stewardship of Under-21 boss Calum McFarlane following Enzo Maresca's departure just three days earlier, showed immense resilience. They dug deep and found a 94th-minute equaliser through Enzo Fernandez, who poked home from close range to snatch a point.
Delap's Introduction Changed the Game
Analysing the game on 'The Rest Is Football' podcast, Richards reserved special praise for McFarlane's bold approach and a specific second-half substitution. "The big turning point of the game was Liam Delap," Richards stated emphatically.
The pundit explained that Delap, a former Manchester City academy product who was brought on for Joao Pedro after the hour mark, immediately altered the dynamic. "I thought his runs in behind, especially seeing it high up at the stadium, it just pushed City a little bit back and then City didn't really know what to do with that," Richards said.
He argued that this tactical shift created space for players like Cole Palmer to move into more central, influential positions, allowing Chelsea to build confidence and mount sustained pressure in the latter stages.
Realistic Expectations for Chelsea's Future
With Liam Rosenior – currently head coach of BlueCo-owned Strasbourg – emerging as the frontrunner to succeed Maresca permanently, Richards also addressed the long-term outlook for the club. While acknowledging the fans' expectations to challenge for titles, he offered a pragmatic assessment.
"I don't believe that Chelsea, with the squad they have, can challenge for the league," Richards commented. He suggested that a more realistic objective for the coming seasons would be consistent top-four finishes and success in cup competitions, rather than an immediate Premier League title challenge.
The draw leaves fifth-placed Chelsea with a creditable point from a difficult fixture, showcasing a level of spirit that impressed observers amidst a period of significant managerial uncertainty.
