Title holders, Manchester City, grabbed a last minute equaliser in a 2-2 thriller with Arsenal at the Etihad. The Gunners attempted to hold their 2-1 lead, courtesy of a Calafiori screamer, for the entire second half but John Stones managed to find the net in extra time.

JOHN STONES AT THE DEATH!! 🤯

THE ARSENAL PLAYERS LOOK BROKEN 💔 pic.twitter.com/XZ1Wxj3RLh

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 22, 2024

Arsenal were reduced to ten men following Trossard’s second yellow card, hence parking ten men in their own box and not registering a single shot in the second half, but they weren’t the only side who lost a key player in the match.

Manchester City’s ever-present maestro, Rodri, was forced off through injury just 21 minutes into the fixture. The Spaniard looked in a lot of pain and went down holding the back of his right knee.

Since Rodri is so vital to Pep Guardiola’s system, City fans will be fearing the worst for their side given the apparent severity of the injury.

How Did Rodri Get Injured?

Manchester City, who were 1-0 up at the time, had a corner in the 20th minute of arguably their biggest match of the season. As Rodri attempted to find space, being marked by Thomas Partey, he lost balance and fell to the ground.

Concerns from the City players and bench grew as Rodri writhed in pain, and his teammates urgently signalled for medical staff to enter the field of play.

Rodri remained on the ground for treatment, and after some assistance was able to hobble off the pitch as Mateo Kovacic replaced him.

What Has Rodri Done, and How Long is He Out For?

The Spaniard has reportedly torn his anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, which is one of the most severe injuries a footballer can sustain. Rodri is most likely out for at least nine months, meaning he’ll be highly unlikely to appear again this campaign.

Rodri tore his ACL against Arsenal and will miss the remainder of the season according to reports.

Wishing him a speedy recovery 💙 pic.twitter.com/iYxVpHmKvv

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 23, 2024

How Will This Impact Manchester City’s Title Hopes?

City have been dominant in English football over the last decade, and are hoping to win their fifth Premier League title in a row this season. However, there is no denying this blow to Rodri will hurt their chances.

Widely regarded as one of the best holding midfielders in world football, City will struggle to replace his tenacity in a challenge along with his range of passing. Whilst City’s second team could still beat most teams in the division, any fan will tell you that Rodri is the most difficult player in their side to replace.

Mateo Kovacic looks the most likely to step into his role, and whilst the Croatian is a fantastic footballer that would walk into most sides in the world, he’ll struggle to replace the unique quality Rodri offers.

The Spaniard scored the crucial goal in their Champions League final win over Inter, as well as many vital goals in each of their Premier League wins. The stats are abundantly clear, with them winning a vast majority more games whilst Rodri is present in their side.

Man City's win percentages since Rodri signed in 2019:

Win percentage with Rodri: 74%
Win percentage without Rodri: 64%

A huge blow for the rest of the season 🫤 pic.twitter.com/wM1ydB5usv

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 23, 2024

Whilst they’ll still be right in the race for the league title, Arsenal will be more confident in their chances to pip the league’s dominant side this season.