There is cause for concern at Manchester City as the Cityzens were held to a draw by Newcastle this weekend. Pep Guardiola’s men visited St James’ Park coming from a two-all draw against Arsenal during which star midfielder Rodri picked a season-ending injury. The Spaniard’s absence was very obvious this weekend as City could only manage a draw against the Magpies.
Mateo Kovacic and Rico Lewis started in midfield for City, but the physicality and presence Rodri brings was missing despite the duo’s impressive showing. City struggled to break down Newcastle’s defence as Eddie Howe’s men sat deep. Coupled with Nick Pope’s solid presence at Newcastle’s goal, their solid defensive line did enough to deny the Cityzens in front of the goal.
Nothing highlighted City’s struggle in attack as much as Erling Haaland’s failure to get a goal for the first time in the ongoing Premier League season. The 21-year-old sustained an injury to his ankle in the first half but managed to stay on till the end of the encounter. City fans will be hoping the striker’s injury is not serious as the club’s injury situation is already bad as it is. Losing their star scorer to injury at this point will affect their title defence adversely.
With their draw against Newcastle, City has now been overtaken by Liverpool at the top of the league table and they are only ahead of Arsenal by goal difference. Any further slip by the team after dropping points in two straight games will further damage their hopes of retaining the Premier League trophy.
Despite the draw, Guardiola expressed his pleasure with Kovacic’s and Lewis’ performance in stepping up in Rodri’s absence. However, he also acknowledged the team missed Rodri’s impact and noted that he must fix the situation. He said, “Guys I’m going to tell you, I know you’re going to ask me all the time: of course we’re going to miss Rodri.” He added, “I’m judging Kovacic and Rico and Bernardo, how we have played. That was exceptional. I know if we don’t do well it’s because of Rodri [not being there]. I have to find a solution. We’re going to find a solution.”
With their momentum stalled, City must recover when they face Fulham in their next Premier League game on October 5 to keep their title hopes alive.
