Manchester City Held To A 1-1 Draw With Newcastle As The Champions Fail First Test Of Life Without Rodri

Manchester City dropped two points in their first match without star midfielder Rodri after a 1-1 draw with Newcastle.

In what was a physical affair at St. James’ Park, Pep Guardiola’s side took the lead early on through a delicate finish by Josko Gvardiol.

However, in the second half, Anthony Gordon converted a penalty after being brought down by Ederson, a day after agreeing to sign a new long-term contract at the club.

As for Man City, the absence of Rodri was keenly felt, with the Premier League champions looking vulnerable on the counter-attack without the Spaniard’s guile and steel.

Guardiola opted for the midfield trio of Ilkay Gundogan, Mateo Kovacic, and Rico Lewis to make up for the loss of Rodri, but City were unable to dominate the game in the same way they often do.

Newcastle’s pressing and energy caused all sorts of problems for the away side. Eddie Howe’s side had several chances to take the lead, but Ederson made some crucial saves to keep the score level.

City have quite a concerning record without Rodri and are now without a win in the last five games they’ve played without both the Spain midfielder and Kevin De Bruyne, with the latter nursing a groin injury.

Man City without Rodri since the start of last season in the Premier League:

❌ Wolves 2-1 Man City
❌Arsenal 1-0 Man City
❌ Aston Villa 1-0 Man City
✅ Man City 5-1 Luton
✅ Chelsea 0-2 Man City
✅ Man City 4-1 Ipswich
✅ West Ham 1-3 Man City
🤝 Newcastle 1-1 Man City

50%… pic.twitter.com/KpZYsvmo2p

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) September 28, 2024

The draw leaves City two points clear at the top of the table before Liverpool and Arsenal play, who will both see this as a huge opportunity to close the gap.

The best football betting sites are now pricing Arsenal as favourites to win the title following City’s result.

Newcastle, meanwhile, continue their solid form and solidify their position as a potential Champions League qualification contender.