Manchester City are feeling the effects of Rodri’s absence. They’ve lost their last two games without him through suspension.
City lost 0-1 in the eighth round of the 2023-24 English Premier League (EPL) against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in London, England, at 0:30 a.m. ET on Sept. 9. The loss was City’s second straight in the league. City dropped to third place in the league with a record of 6-2-2 (18 points).
Rodri’s presence was evident in the game. City deployed Mateo Kovacic and Rico Lewis in a back three, but they were outclassed by Arsenal’s midfield. Even Bernardo Silva dropped into the midfield to help set up the attack.
The Manchester Evening News also lamented Rodriguez’s absence. “Kovacic’s poor timing was a sign of their loss of control in midfield. Luis was bypassed, Silva was cautioned and Rodriguez was unable to show the control that he can.”
Kovacic, in particular, was forced to become passive in his play after receiving an early caution. Kovacic received one in the 29th minute. In the 34th minute, he made a deep tackle on Rice that the Arsenal players protested strongly, but the referee didn’t see. Kovacic tackled Rice on the heel, which was a clear foul. If the referee had seen it correctly, Kovacic could have received a straight red card and been sent off.
The balance of the game was tipped in the second half. In the 41st minute, Gabriel Martinelli’s shot from the edge of the box deflected off Nathan Ake and into the back of the net, giving Arsenal a 1-0 victory. 메이저사이트
The loss was City’s second straight in the league. Coincidentally, it was the last two games in which Rodriguez missed time through suspension. Rodriguez was suspended for three games after receiving a direct red card against Nottingham Forest on March 23.
Rodri’s absence was huge. City also hung their heads in shame against Wolverhampton in the last round, losing 1-2. They had Kovacic and Mateusz Nunes in the lineup, but they were unable to effectively stop Wolverhampton’s counterattacks. The loss dropped City to third place in the league.