Rodri frustration grows as City drop points in title race
Manchester City left north London with frustration rather than momentum, as a match they appeared to control slipped away amid controversy over a second-half equaliser. City captain Rodri was outspoken afterwards, focusing less on the result itself and more on what he saw as a decisive refereeing error.
The 2-2 draw came at a delicate moment in the title race, adding pressure to a side expected to capitalise on Tottenham Hotspur’s injury problems.
Control lost after the break
City arrived as clear favourites against a Spurs team missing nine senior players, and the opening half followed that script. Goals from Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo gave Pep Guardiola’s side a two-goal cushion before halftime and suggested a comfortable evening.
The tone changed after the restart. Tottenham increased their intensity, and sustained pressure on City’s defence led to a chaotic moment that ended with Marc Guehi diverting the ball into his own net. The goal shifted momentum and set the stage for a tense finish.
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Rodri’s frustration
Rodri made no attempt to hide his anger in post-match interviews, arguing that the equaliser should not have stood. He claimed Dominic Solanke fouled Guehi in the build-up, insisting the contact was clear enough to warrant intervention.
“We are frustrated because it's so clear the foul, he kicked the leg,” Rodri said after the match.
He later broadened his criticism to the importance of marginal decisions in the Premier League, adding: “We have to pay attention to these little things, otherwise it's going to be difficult for everyone because this league is about small details.”
Rodri stopped short of accusing officials of poor standards but questioned consistency, suggesting that repeated errors even minor ones can significantly affect outcomes.
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Wider implications
The draw followed Arsenal’s win over Leeds United on Saturday, which extended their lead at the top of the table to six points. While the result reduced City’s margin for error, Rodri rejected the idea that it had derailed their title challenge.
“It’s not damaging,” he said. “We expect to win here, but we’re still going to put our heads down and keep fighting until the end because that is our identity.”
City now turn their attention to a busy schedule, hosting Newcastle United in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final before travelling to Anfield to face Liverpool in the league.
Sources: Premier League match coverage, post-match broadcast interviews
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