Mark OgdenJan 1, 2026, 06:31 PM ETCloseMark Ogden is a senior soccer writer for ESPN.com. Read his archive here and follow him on Twitter: @MarkOgden_.Follow on X
Have Man City got what it takes to catch Arsenal? (1:19)Julien Laurens and Craig Burley discuss Arsenal’s four-point lead on Man City after Pep Guardiola’s side failed to beat Sunderland. (1:19)
SUNDERLAND, England — Pep Guardiola said Rodri showed Manchester City what they have been missing for a year and a half after the Ballon d’Or winner’s substitute performance during a goalless draw at Sunderland.
City’s failure to claim all three points and become the first team to beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light this season dented their title challenge and enabled Arsenal to start 2026 with a four-point lead over Guardiola’s side at the top of the Premier League.
But despite the dropped points, Rodri’s second-half display after replacing the injured Nico González brought calm and composure to the City midfield.
And Guardiola said it is crucial for City that the Spain international, who has started just four league games since returning from a September 2024 cruciate ligament injury, is now able to stay fit and help the side in the second half of the season.
“He [Rodri] changed the game,” Guardiola told reporters. “He proved in 45 minutes that he is the best in his position.
And Guardiola admitted that City emerged with a point from one of the toughest away venues in the Premier League.
“Tough place to come,” he said. “The amount of chances we missed in the six-yard box, not difficult ones, we could not convert.
“The guys are a bit heads down, but we have to be heads up because in three days we have a difficult game against Chelsea.”
Savinho and Nico were both substituted because of injuries and are likely to miss Sunday’s game against Chelsea.
Have Man City got what it takes to catch Arsenal? (1:19)Julien Laurens and Craig Burley discuss Arsenal’s four-point lead on Man City after Pep Guardiola’s side failed to beat Sunderland. (1:19)
Julien Laurens and Craig Burley discuss Arsenal’s four-point lead on Man City after Pep Guardiola’s side failed to beat Sunderland. (1:19)
CloseMark Ogden is a senior soccer writer for ESPN.com. Read his archive here and follow him on Twitter: @MarkOgden_.Follow on X
“He broke the lines, we moved better and one year and a half without him we missed him a lot.
“Hopefully he can stay fit because he makes us a better team.”
“I’m so proud of my players against a difficult opponent. We did everything we could to win.
“Savinho doesn’t look good,” Guardiola said. “Nico, we will see.”