Manchester City's worst-case scenario in run-in as Rodri worry emerges

Manchester City were missing a number of key players in Sunday’s goalless draw with Arsenal, including important defensive stars Ederson, John Stones and Kyle Walker.

But while the backline was low on numbers for the clash, they will mostly rue their lack of attacking vigour, having managed just one shot on target and failing to score in a home Premier League game for the first time since October 2021.

Golden Boot leader Erling Haaland was critiqued for his lack of involvement as City struggled to find momentum against a sturdy Gunners defence, despite attaining 73% possession. The draw hands Liverpool the advantage for now.

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The champions sit three points behind the league leaders, who beat Brighton 2-1 before kick-off at the Etihad, although they will still fancy themselves as they vie for a second consecutive Treble.

While City managed to cope without Stones, Walker and Ederson, there is one player City would fear losing most. Rodri is yet to taste defeat when he has been on the pitch for his club this season, and Guardiola's side will visibly struggle without him.

The club’s only four defeats this season have come when the Spaniard has not been available, having missed the Premier League losses to Wolves, Arsenal and Aston Villa due to red and yellow card suspensions.

Rodri is only two bookings away from serving another ban. The pivot is currently sat on eight yellow cards, and another two within City’s next three matches would incur a two-game suspension.

Players who tally 10 yellow cards within their club’s first 32 Premier League matches will be