Manchester City made it six victories in a row in the Premier League yesterday, but will now be without Rodri for the next three games, which means a big chance for Kalvin Phillips.
Rodri was sent a red card by referee Anthony Taylor following a scuffle with Morgan Gibbs-White just after halftime.
The midfielder put his hands at the base of Gibbs-White’s neck, which is not permitted.
Rodri will now suffer a three-game ban for aggressive behaviour.
He’ll be out of the Carabao Cup games against Newcastle United, Wolves, and Arsenal.
That is a significant setback for City, but it also opens the door for Phillips, a rarely used midfielder…
Kalvin Phillips has a chance to preserve his Manchester City career.
It will now be intriguing to observe what Guardiola does in the aftermath of Rodri’s dismissal.
Guardiola makes extensive use of Rodri and is a huge fan of his countryman.
He is without a doubt the world’s best holding midfielder.
But he’s been gone for three games, and someone will have to step up.
Phillips is one player who will be looking for an opportunity to participate.
Phillips has struggled for playing time since joining the club from Leeds United in the summer of 2021.
Guardiola just doesn’t seem to believe in the England midfielder.
But now he has a fantastic opportunity to play.
He is the club’s only other out-and-out holding midfielder, other from Rodri.
New signees Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes can both play as deep-lying midfielders. They are, however, undoubtedly better as number eights.
Both can play holding, but not as single pivots as Rodri.
So the scenario may call for Phillips to eventually enter the fray.
It is undoubtedly his opportunity to shine and establish himself. During the summer, there was considerable talk that he could depart, but he finally decided to stay and fight for his position.
That was fantastic, but chances have been limited thus far.
But, with Rodri out, now is the time to make a statement.
His City career may rely on these upcoming games, according to some.
The ‘gifted’ 27-year-old may have an opportunity to preserve his City career here, since he is currently not getting enough playing time.
But, if he scarcely appears in Rodri’s absence, you’d think he’ll be considering leaving in January.
That was recently stated, and he couldn’t really be faulted if he sought an escape.
