In the days leading up to Sunday’s Premier League encounter in North London between Arsenal and Manchester City, it was hardly discussed at all.
Who would start in Rodri’s stead at the Emirates Stadium was a topic of much speculation on City’s side.
The defensive midfielder for Spain was placed on suspension.
Rodri was expected to be replaced by Rico Lewis in the lineup against the Gunners.
The number 6 position was actually filled by Portuguese attacking midfielder Bernardo Silva.
Pep Guardiola’s call struck me as odd.
City fell to Arsenal 1-0.
Gary Neville discusses Kevin De Bruyne’s absence for Manchester City against Arsenal
Gary Neville, a commentator for Sky Sports, pointed out that City was missing Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri while analyzing the game.
De Bruyne would have produced the precise passes that star striker Erling Haaland needed in order to score, according to the former Manchester United defender, had he started the game.
De Bruyne hasn’t played for City since the first game of the year, but the former Chelsea player is making good progress in his hamstring surgery rehabilitation.
“De Bruyne is different from any other Manchester City player,” Neville stated on his podcast.
“He is top-notch.
“His accuracy is astounding. And today’s game demanded dexterity.
There is a lot of unpredictable forward play, final passes, and final moments from both teams, but De Bruyne genuinely plays like a polished diamond.
He might have executed the pass. He was, in my opinion, City’s biggest miss.
The absence of Kevin De Bruyne for Manchester City vs Arsenal, in my opinion
For the most of the season thus far, I don’t believe Manchester City has really missed Kevin De Bruyne that much.
De Bruyne is one of the best players in the world and, when healthy and available, one of the first names on the City teamsheet.
But up until lately, the Citizens were doing just fine without the hurt Belgian.
De Bruyne could have made a significant difference against Arsenal, I do have to concede that.
Against City on Sunday, Arsenal displayed a good defensive performance.
Erling Haaland remained virtually unidentified.
Haaland required a precise pass in an unsafe situation.
If De Bruyne had been available against Arsenal, he would have given it to him on a silver platter.