In one of the most remarkable Premier League debuts for an interim manager, Chelsea’s Under-21s coach Calum McFarlane orchestrated a dramatic 1-1 draw against Manchester City at the Etihad on January 4, 2026 – but it was his fearless tactical overhaul that stole the headlines and left fans buzzing about the stark contrast to predecessor Enzo Maresca’s approach.
Trailing 1-0 at halftime after Tijjani Reijnders’ clinical first-half strike, McFarlane – thrust into the senior hotseat just days after Maresca’s shock New Year’s Day departure – made a clear, bold decision: abandon the familiar 4-2-3-1 setup that had defined Chelsea under the Italian, and switch to a dynamic 3-4-3 formation for the second half.
The change was immediate and obvious. Chelsea emerged with renewed intent, pushing a high defensive line that suffocated City’s build-up play, wing-backs bombing forward to provide width, and Enzo Fernández liberated further up the pitch to orchestrate attacks. Substitute Andrey Santos slotted into midfield at the break, adding energy and allowing Fernández to advance – a move McFarlane later hailed as pivotal.
“We were exceptional in the second half,” McFarlane told reporters post-match. “I also think Andrey Santos coming on at half-time and moving Enzo up one [higher] was important. I thought Andrey was exceptional.” The tweak paid dividends as Chelsea grew in confidence, creating chances and pinning City back despite the hosts’ possession dominance.
Later substitutions amplified the aggression: former City academy striker Liam Delap entered the fray, injecting physicality and directness up top. His 68th-minute burst forward, controversially denied by a perceived handball, energized the bench and the team. Delap’s presence stretched City’s defense, creating space for overlaps and late surges – culminating in Malo Gusto’s driven cross that led to Fernández’s stoppage-time equalizer, bundling home after Gianluigi Donnarumma’s heroic double save.
Fans were quick to spot the contrast. Under Maresca, Chelsea often stuck rigidly to possession-based 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 systems, prioritizing control but sometimes lacking fluidity or risk in big away games – especially against top sides like City, where the Blues had struggled for cutting edge in recent encounters. Maresca’s tenure, despite trophies like the Conference League and Club World Cup, had seen criticism for cautious rotations and an unwillingness to deviate mid-game from his Pep Guardiola-inspired blueprint.
McFarlane, with nothing to lose in his potential one-off senior outing, showed tactical flexibility that frustrated Guardiola and earned plaudits. “For them to regroup and take that information on and execute it speaks volumes about the characters we have,” he said, referencing the whirlwind preparation amid player illnesses and club turmoil.
On X, reactions flooded in:
- “McFarlane switching to 3-4-3 at HT and pushing Enzo higher? That’s the boldness Maresca lacked in big games. Instant impact! 🔥” – Popular Chelsea fan account with thousands of likes.
- “Interim boss out-tactic-ing Pep with a back three? Maresca never had the guts for that against City. What a point!” – Neutral observer.
- “Love seeing Chelsea attack like that second half. High line, wing-backs flying – more of this please, whoever the next manager is.”
The result boosts Chelsea’s European push amid managerial uncertainty – Liam Rosenior is reportedly in advanced talks for the permanent role – while dealing a blow to City’s title charge, extending Arsenal’s lead to six points. Guardiola, frozen in disbelief at the late goal, admitted post-match: “We were extraordinary… except we could not score the second.”
For McFarlane, a rookie facing the ultimate test against his idol Guardiola, the draw was a personal triumph. But that half-time gamble – ditching Maresca’s sacred 4-2-3-1 for a more adventurous 3-4-3 – is what turned a potential defeat into a statement point, showcasing intent and adaptability that had been missing.
As Chelsea prepare for Fulham next, the football world wonders: will the new boss build on McFarlane’s bravery, or revert to caution? One thing’s clear – the interim’s bold call has reignited debate and hope at Stamford Bridge.
