The 1-1 draw with Newcastle in the 6th round of the Premier League showed how much Rodri's absence has affected Manchester City. Coach Pep Guardiola's post-match reaction when asked about the 28-year-old midfielder said it all.
"Guys, I know you'll ask me all the time. But Rodri is not here. Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva and Rico Lewis did well, but I have to find a solution. I would love to have Rodri here," Guardiola said.
This is the Citizens' first game since confirming Rodri will be out for the rest of the season, having ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
Before Rodri was taken off injured in the 20th minute, Man City were leading 1-0 and in a comfortable position. In the previous 51 Premier League matches that Rodri had played, dating back to February 2023, Man City had not lost a single match.
But when Rodri left the pitch, Arsenal quickly turned the game around to lead 2-1. They only let the victory slip away with an equaliser in the eighth minute of injury time from Man City.
Against Newcastle, the Citizens took the lead again when defender Josko Gvardiol scored in the 35th minute. However, Guardiola's side could not hold on to their advantage and Anthony Gordon's 58th-minute penalty finally earned Newcastle a point. Perhaps City should ask themselves, when will they win without Rodri?
Of course, Man City will be looking to win without the former Atletico Madrid man. Don't forget that Guardiola's side have won their first three Premier League games this season without Rodri. The Spain international has been given a long break after winning Euro 2024.
But the reality is that Rodri's absence for the rest of the season will present both a personnel and psychological problem for the Premier League champions, and even Guardiola, a coaching genius, admits he is still looking for a solution.
Rodri is probably more important to City than Erling Haaland. The Etihad have so many attacking options that they can often find a way to score when Haaland is absent. However, Arsenal were able to break through City's midfield after Rodri left the pitch. And Newcastle also dominated the midfield at St James' Park for long periods.
Guardiola deployed a 4-1-2-3 formation with Kovacic in Rodri’s position, with Lewis and Ilkay Gundogan playing higher up the pitch to provide cover. Kovacic is a classy player, a Champions League winner with Real Madrid and Chelsea. But the Croatian is not Rodri. Kovacic does not give City the confidence on the ball or the vision of Rodri.
For Lewis, the 19-year-old is still inexperienced and not yet ready to be one of Guardiola's main solutions. Gundogan would probably be the best fit, but the former Germany international turns 34 next month.
Man City have a comfortable October schedule with Fulham, Wolves, Southampton and Bournemouth. They are likely to win all four of those games, but the real test is ahead.
