Why This Setback Could End Manchester City's Era of Dominance
Rodri’s injury against Arsenal couldn’t have come at a worse time for Manchester City. Leading 1-0 when Rodri was subbed off, City’s dominance immediately began to unravel, with Arsenal pouncing on a now disjointed midfield to equalize in under a minute. Eventually, the game went on to draw after a John Stones equalizer in the 98th minute, but this injury had a gigantic impact on the game. It left Guardiola’s side in an uncharacteristic position, vulnerable. This, combined with the news now that the injury is as serious as initially confirmed, an ACL injury that could leave him sidelined for an extended period of time, raises an urgent question: Will City still be the dominant side they were without Rodri?
Rodri is not just a cog in City’s well oiled machine, he is the machine. His influence on this team is undeniable, controlling the tempo, breaking up opposition plays, and providing the stability that allows the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, and Erling Haaland to focus on creativity and attack. Without Rodri, City lose not just a player, but a tactician on the pitch. Since his 2019 arrival from Atlético Madrid for a club record fee of €91.5 million, Rodri has cemented himself as one of if not the best holding midfielders in the world. In his early days at City, Rodri faced immense pressure to fill Fernandinho’s boots, a player many regarded as the best in his position in the Premier League. Rodri’s first season was admittedly a struggle. Yet, in typical Guardiola fashion, patience and persistence paid off. Rodri not only adapted but also thrived in City’s system. By his second season, he was indispensable, providing the balance between defense and attack. His range of passing, both in accuracy and variety, set him apart from other defensive midfielders. His intelligence on the pitch made him City’s coach in the midfield, with his contributions going far beyond tackles and interceptions. Rodri orchestrates play, supporting teammates in both defense and attack, and he’s even added key goals to his repertoire, including the Champions League final winner against Inter Milan to give the club its first and only European trophy.
Rodri’s ability to dictate matches is reflected in City’s performance stats: they have won 74% of games with him in the side, losing just 11%. Without him, those numbers dip significantly, with only 64% wins and a staggering 24% losses. That’s no coincidence. Now, with his knee injury confirmed to force him to miss serious time, City face a potential crisis. Although they have quality players behind him, like Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan, it’s tough to see anyone completely filling the void that Rodri leaves. Both are talented, but neither brings the same calm, control, and leadership Rodri offers. Guardiola’s side has a packed fixture list, and without their midfield general, they risk slipping in both the Premier League title race and Europe. The potential consequences of Rodri's absence are grave, and City must find a solution to this crisis.
Rodri's injury couldn't have come at a more critical time for Manchester City. Its potential long term effects on the team, one already fighting against Premier League to keep their place, are daunting. As the heartbeat of Guardiola’s midfield, his absence leaves a massive void that no one player can fully fill. City may possess the depth and talent to adapt in the short term, but the loss of Rodri could very well alter the course of their season. Without his leadership, control, and tactical intelligence, City will face a true test of their resilience. The months ahead will reveal whether Guardiola can once again reinvent his team in the face of adversity, or if this injury will prove too great a blow to their ambitions.
