No City player played more minutes than Rodri in the Treble-winning season and they haven't had to do without him for three or more successive games since October and November 2019. They have one game of his three-match ban to survive nearly four years on and the omens aren't good.
It's played two, lost two without Rodri and the chaotic, controlfree nature of their defeat to Wolves at Molineux would have Guardiola burying his head in his hands in the front row of the Billy Wright Stand as he served a touchline ban after three bookings this season.
After Rodri's red card against Nottingham Forest, Guardiola joked that he could afford to get on the wrong side of referees, but his players couldn't. He was angry with the holding midfielder then. He will be apoplectic with him now.
When Kyle Walker was needlessly sent-off in a dead-rubber group game against RB Leipzig last season, he spent weeks on the naughty step. Guardiola would probably like to give Rodri the same treatment, but this horror show only served up a reminder of how indispensable he is.
On an afternoon when City could have won their first seven top-flight games for the first time in their history, they allowed Arsenal to get within a point of them ahead of next weekend's Emirates showdown. On this evidence, the Gunners will fancy their chances against a Rodri-less Blues.
It was Mateo Kovacic tasked with replacing the 27-year-old, but Matheus Nunes who attracted all the early attention and Kalvin Phillips who fired their final chance over the bar deep into added time.
Bu hikaye MEN on Sunday dergisinin October 01, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye MEN on Sunday dergisinin October 01, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
We are fragile but we cannot overreact-Pep
PEP Guardiola says that City cannot afford to overreact to their worst ever run under his management as they look to stay in touch with Premier League leaders Liverpool.
IT’S TOO EASY TO SCORE AGAINST US’
PEP Guardiola says City have multiple problems as opponents find it too easy to score against them.
Spurs man on the hole’ in City middle
JAMES Maddison has explained that he was able to exploit the lack of presence in City's midfield to score a goal that he has been working on all season.
Rubet! Amorim up for United challenge
RUBEN Amorim is relishing the 'huge responsibility' of taking United back to the top as the new head coach prepares to take charge for the first time at Ipswich.
'Ruthless' Ruben won't be all smiles as he gears up for first game at helm
\"I CAN be ruthless when I have to be,\" said Ruben Amorim on Friday afternoon.
Teenage star Chido on target once again
CHIDO Obi-Martin was again among the goals as United's Under-18s continued their stunning form and a new star emerged.
Tourist traps top visitor spend table
SEPARATED by the Pennines and nearly 100 miles, the historic city of York and the seaside resort of Blackpool are worlds apart in their appeal to tourists.
Wind farm expansion plan set to create new turbulence
Proposals would create biggest turbine development in England
Rail services may take 'three years to improve'
THE largest rail company in the North of England has warned that it will take up to three years before its services are up to scratch.
Thug forced kids to help in drug deals
A MAN who used 'vulnerable' children to help him deal drugs has been jailed.