Guardiola's troubles stretch beyond absence of Rodri

Manchester City began without one of the outstanding individuals of last season.

- RICHARD JOLLY

No, not that one. Or not just that one, anyway. Rodri was the most conspicuous absentee at St James’ Park on Saturday as, barring an injury to Erling Haaland, he will be for the rest of the campaign. But Phil Foden started on the bench. His bit-part role has been camouflaged by the sudden realisation that Rodri will have no part to play in the next nine months, but it is less than six weeks since Foden was anointed PFA Player of the Year.

It is an understatement to say his candidature for a second successive award has had a slow start. City have played six league games this season. Foden has begun none. Euro 2024 was why he was an opening-day replacement against Chelsea. He missed two matches through illness, spent the next as an unused substitute and came on in the last two. Perhaps it is a fact that points to potential improvement for City: Foden, scorer of 27 goals last time around, could provide an injection of excellence for a Rodri-less side.

If, that is, Pep Guardiola is willing to unleash him. He seems in no great rush to do so. He sounded vague in his reasoning. “Phil is playing but Phil doesn't need time when he's clever and fine,” he said. “It's not a problem. I know how important he is. It doesn’t matter to start or come from the bench.” Recently, Foden has been a deluxe impact substitute, showing the ability to sniff an opening that has produced late shots against Internazionale, Arsenal and Newcastle. City drew all three games, though.