Rodriless City slump to another defeat

For the first time since he moved to the Etihad, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City has gone four Premier League games without a win, after Leon Bailey’s goal gave Aston Villa the edge over the defending champions on Wednesday night.

Guardiola in his post match remarks admitted to his team struggles and urged his team to learn to cope without Rodri.

Manchester City last five defeat across all competition have come without their Spanish midfield mystero.

Emery first win against against Guardiola was a battering.

The Manchester City manager has played 281 Premier League games, the loss against Villa was the first time City have failed to win a single corner, Emery’s attacking duo of Watkins and Bailey pummeled City defence, for the first time in a single game Guardiola’s City faced the most shots (22)

Guardiola said:“The better team won. Aston Villa were better than us. They were well-organised, fast, physical players. There’s a reason why they are where they are. We are now struggling. We have to change the dynamic.

“We have to win as soon as possible. It’s my duty to find a way. Over many years together we have found a way to win games.‌ And I have to think about it. If we are not winning games, we have to do something.

‌“I never had the feeling that we were going to do something. First, I have to give credit to Aston Villa. They have the ability to punish you. They played good. You have to accept it. When a team is better than you, you have to accept it.

“But we are struggling to follow what we have talked about. That’s why we have to change the dynamic.”‌ Matchwinner Leon Bailey said after claiming his fifth of a very promising campaign: ‌“It’s very special.

“On a night like this, it’s even more special. To get the win, to score the goal, it’s a magnificent feeling. I can’t put it into words how I feel right now. We showed great character and worked extremely hard to get these three points.”

Persecond News analysis of City’s last four winless runs observed that the last four games have all come without their metronome and Spanish midfielder Rodri.

The 27-year-old picked up his fifth yellow card of the season in the Premier League last Sunday, triggering an automatic one game suspension hence his absence against Villa.

Rodri is one of the core of City’s team, his physicality, superb reading of the game, athleticism to marshal Guardiola’s midfield stands him out.

In 150 Premier League games with Rodri in the team, Manchester City have a win percentage of 73%, without him, percentage drops to 56%

Rodri’s role in Manchester City is not to sit at the base of midfield to shield the defense and tackle.

During build up plays, his ability to guide the ball jealously with his distribution skill and long range pass propels City into the final.

Third the ability to read the game made him win the ball high up the pitch and created counter-attacking situation in split seconds.