Newcastle revealed the truth of Manchester City: Rodri as a key loss, Guardiola even without De Bruyne did not hide his frustration

The absence of key midfielder Rodri is proving to be a major problem for Manchester City. Without him, Pep Guardiola’s team face not only tactical issues but also significant psychological pressure. After the 1-1 draw with Newcastle at St James’ Park, coach Guardiola made no secret of his frustration.

• Rodri’s absence brings not only tactical problems for City but also a psychological impact on the whole team
• Newcastle took advantage of Rodri’s absence and controlled the middle of the park, leading to a second-half dominance
• City have a chance to restore their dominance in October against weaker opponents, but the real test will come later

“I know you will keep asking me about it,” Guardiola said after the game. “Rodri is not here. Kova, Bernardo and Rico did a good job, but I have to find a solution. Of course I wish Rodri was here.”

Manchester City had to do without Rodri for the first time for the full 90 minutes. They were 1-0 up against Arsenal until his injury and seemed to be in control of the game.

With his departure, however, the game changed and Arsenal responded quickly, turning the match around to 2-1 before the Citizens salvaged a point in the eighth minute.

Newcastle dominated the middle of the park

In the match against Newcastle, Guardiola fielded a 4-1-2-3 midfield formation with Mateo Kovacic in Rodri’s position, and with support from Ricardo Lewis and Ilkay Gündogan.

Although Kovacic is a quality player with plenty of experience at Real Madrid or Chelsea, he is not Rodri. But it must be added that the Spanish midfielder is not the only loss for the Citizens. Coach Guardiola also has to deal with the absence of Kevin De Bruyne.

Therefore, he did not hide his frustration in the post-match press conference. On the other hand, Newcastle’s midfield performed very well. The midfield, in particular, was a territory that Manchester did not dominate and it showed in the final result.

Manchester City now face a relatively favourable October schedule of games against Fulham, Wolves, Southampton and Bournemouth. But the real test will come against stronger opponents.

As Guardiola admitted after the game. Rodri’s absence is a problem, but we have to find a way to win without him. We have quality, but we have to show it on the pitch.”

Source: X, Premier League, Manchester City