Advertisement

Biggest Man City vs Arsenal talking point has been forgotten - and it will decide title race

Rodri of Manchester City leaves the pitch
-Credit: (Image: (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images))


Based on the thrilling clash between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium this past weekend, we are in store for one hell of a Premier League title race. Controversial moments and major talking points were aplenty during and in the immediate aftermath of the game.

Kai Havertz, Erling Haaland, Gabriel Magalhaes, Kyle Walker and Leandro Trossard were all at the centre of some big moments from the 2-2 draw. From that list, both Haaland and Gabriel were scorers on the day with Riccardo Calafiori's strike cancelling out the former's opener.

John Stones tucked home the equaliser deep into added time and with the spoils shared, City returned to the top of the Premier League table with Arsenal two points behind them in fourth. After the final whistle, Haaland clashed with Arteta and Gabriel before later getting into a heated argument with Gabriel Jesus.

The Norway international put in a chaotic display with his first action of the game smashing into William Saliba after Kai Havertz had barged Rodri. Having gotten away from both Saliba and Gabriel to score his 100th City goal, he also threw the ball at the latter's head after seeing Stones' scuffed effort nestle in the back of the net.

Trossard was another player on the day at the centre of a big decision with Michael Oliver showing him a second yellow card just before half time for delaying the restart. That major call came after Oliver had allowed Arsenal to take a quick free kick which ultimately led to the visitors equalising.

City's anger with the decision stemmed from the fact Walker had been called over and was not given ample time to get back into position with Thomas Partey playing in Gabriel Martinelli behind the full-back as a result. The Brazil international then laid the ball back to Calafioro who expertly curled home his first goal for the club.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta issues PGMOL rallying cry as Arsenal overcome history at Manchester City

READ MORE: White, Raya, Odegaard - Arsenal injury news and return dates ahead of Bolton clash

At least five major talking points have been mentioned above and yet there is another still to be discussed and it is largely being forgotten about. Midway through the first half, Rodri went over awkwardly in a challenge with Partey as he attempted to break free of the Arsenal man at a corner.

The Spain international, making his first league start of the season, immediately fell to the floor, clutching his knee, appearing to be in some serious pain. Mateo Kovacic, who has been utilised in Rodri's absence, was the man brought on to replace him with major concern he had picked up a severe injury.

Asked about his early withdrawal due to injury, Guardiola said: "I don't know yet, I didn't ask the doctors. Rodri is strong. He leaves the pitch in this action because he felt something, otherwise Rodri stays there."

Though Guardiola's side have thus far coped without Rodri, his importance cannot be underestimated especially based on their record without Rodri in past seasons. In the 2023/24 campaign, Rodri missed three four games through suspension with City losing all four.

If he has damaged his knee, an absence could be really anywhere between nine days and nine months. If it is the latter, that could be his season over and thus Arsenal will certainly feel as though their Premier League title chances have increased.

It has since been revealed that Rodri has damaged his anterior cruciate ligament and is thus set for a significant spell on the sidelines.