Steve McManaman believes Manchester City really missed Rodri against Wolves yesterday.
The Citizens crashed to their first Premier League defeat of the season, losing 2-1 at Molineux.
It was a poor display from City, who failed to create really good quality chances on the day.
Wolves defended fantastically, and then were able to hit City on the counter.
It was a clear plan from Gary O’Neil, and it was executed by his players really well.
City have now suffered back-to-back defeats, which is a real rarity under Pep Guardiola.
And interestingly, both losses have occurred without Rodri, who is suspended after picking up a red card against Nottingham Forest.
And McManaman believes it is no coincidence that City struggled without the Spanaird…
Steve McManaman reacts as Manchester City lose again without Rodri
This period of games without Rodri was always going to make for fascinating viewing.
He is such an important player. But City have quality in reserve.
But yesterday, like against Newcastle United, no one was able to step up in the 27-year-old’s absence.
Asked if he thought it was a coincidence that City lost again without Rodri, McManaman said on Premier League Productions’ Matchday Live Extra show: “Probably not. He’s the metronome in the middle that dictates how they play and he’s very quick with his play. It’s more frustrating that he got sent off for such a ridiculous incident as well. I think that (absence) plays a huge part.”
Joleon Lescott also spoke about the absence of Rodri, believing City are actually ‘unrecognisable’ without him’.
Rodri will serve the final game of his ban against Arsenal next weekend.
Rodri influence is simply huge for City
It’s been worrying to see how City have managed so far without Rodri.
If anything these last two defeats have put into perspective just how massive a player he is for the team.
But City were always likely to miss him. After all, he is the best holding midfield player in the world.
McManaman’s feelings will be shared by a lot of City fans.
That Rodri could not keep his head against Nottingham Forest was really frustrating, and City have now been stung as a result of his actions.
