Man City escape Premier League suspension nightmare as Arsenal dealt unexpected title race setback

It is by now well documented that Manchester City midfielder Rodri has not played in a game that his team — be it for club or country — has lost in for over 12 months. Since February 5, 2023, the Spaniard has not been bettered.

During that time he has won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and is on course to possibly match the treble from last season once again. Spain won't head to the European Championships this summer as a favourite but with Rodri in their side there is always a chance, it seems.

It is almost laughable, then, that no current Premier League player or manager has scored or coached in a game that Rodri has lost since that fateful day in north London. It was Tottenham during their horrendous run under Antonio Conte, fired on by Harry Kane, that last put Rodri through the pain of a defeat. Neither are present in the league anymore.

At the time it looked like Spurs were going to help Arsenal to their first title in almost 20 years. In reality, they merely poked the bear. City went on to win 13 of their next 14 league games to wrap up the title as well as claiming a first-ever Champions League, yet another domestic cup, and Rodri was central to it all.

That he has missed three games this season is possibly the only reason there is another title race. Arsenal and Liverpool have pushed Pep Guardiola's side to the max yet again, and may well come out on top still, but it is unshakeable that in the three games Rodri hasn't played, City have lost.

Had that figure been even one less then the already tiny gap between first and third would be wiped out. In the 29 other matches (28 of which he has started) they won 21 and drew seven.

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