Arsenal’s recent goalless draw against Manchester City could potentially offer them a boost in their Premier League title aspirations, as City faces the prospect of a worst-case scenario suspension.
During Sunday’s match, Manchester City struggled to find the net against Arsenal, missing several key players such as Ederson, John Stones, and Kyle Walker. Despite their defensive challenges, City’s inability to score, managing only one shot on target, marked their first home Premier League game without a goal since October 2021.
With City now three points behind the league leaders, the possibility of a second consecutive Treble remains on the cards. However, their reliance on certain players is evident, particularly Rodri, who has been integral to their unbeaten streak this season.
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Rodri’s pivotal role is highlighted by City’s four losses this season, all occurring when he was absent due to yellow card accumulation. With Rodri nearing another suspension, having amassed eight yellow cards, City faces the prospect of being without his services for crucial upcoming fixtures.
If Rodri receives two more yellow cards in the next three matches, he will be sidelined for two games due to suspension. The timing of these potential bans is critical, with City having played 29 league games thus far.
The ramifications of Rodri’s potential suspension extend to upcoming league clashes against Luton and Brighton if he receives yellow cards in the matches against Aston Villa and Crystal Palace. However, any suspension incurred in the 33rd match against Brighton would not carry over, allowing him to participate in other competitions.
Fortunately for City, domestic bans do not apply to other competitions, meaning Rodri could still feature in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea and potentially in the Champions League fixtures against Real Madrid.
Despite the looming suspension threat, City remains formidable, but the absence of key players could provide opportunities for their rivals, including Arsenal, in the race for the Premier League title.