RODRI: MAN CITY’S MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER

Pep Guardiola admitted his side missed Rodri massively in their 1-0 defeat to title rivals Arsenal, Man City have lost all three games in which Rodri has been absent following his red card at Nottingham Forest.

"He's an important player for us" was Guardiola's response when asked about the impact of Rodri's three match ban on their recent form. Man City have lost all three games in which he hasn't played, Newcastle knocked them out of the Carabao Cup, a struggling Wolves side beat them 2-1 and Arsenal just beat them 1-0.

Pep admitted that he "can not deny the stat" and that Rodri does have a key part to play in the team. The Spanish midfielder was given a straight red card against Nottingham Forest for violent conduct towards opponent Morgan Gibbs-White.

Gabriel Martinelli scored the winning goal for the Gunners in the 86th minute, securing their first win against City in 13 attempts, the last time City lost was in April 2017 in FA Cup with Arsenal last league victory dating back to December 2015.

Rodri will make his return after the international break and is expected to start again Brighton to get his side back on track. Manchester City currently sit in third place in the Premier League behind Arsenal and Tottenham.

Written by Isabelle Newnham