Manchester City played out a frustrating nil-all draw with Sunderland last night at the Stadium of Light. Régis Le Bris’s side dug in defensively during the game’s final half-hour after going toe-to-toe with City for an hour to hold Pep Guardiola’s side to a draw. The result sees City fall four points behind Arsenal at the top of the Premier League at the halfway point of the season. Despite dropping points to a team that is unbeaten at the Stadium of Light this season, a massive positive came out of last night’s match for Manchester City.
Rodri played the entire second-half and showed just how important he is to City’s play. Looking ahead, Rodri’s return could be looked back upon as a massive moment for Pep Guardiola’s side as the 25/26 season progresses.
Rodri showed exactly what Manchester City have lacked in his absence.
Nico was replaced by Rodri in the heart of Manchester City’s midfield at halftime of last night’s match. As one Spanish midfielder departed the pitch, another took his place. Across the second-half, Rodri showed exactly what City have missed in his absence. Sunderland were the better team in the first-half last night. They sat deep and were well-organised in defence when required and frustrated Pep Guardiola’s side when City had possession. Régis Le Bris’s side also has its moments going forward. In possession, City were lacklustre and their build-up play lacked the fluidity associated with them at their best in the first-half. That changed in the second-half as Sunderland tired. But Rodri’s introduction was also a key component of Manchester City’s much improved second-half display.
Rodri showed exactly what City have missed during his absence. Manchester City’s build-up play improved immensely with their most important player back on the pitch. Rodri’s ability to play an inch-perfect cross-field pass allowed Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku space to operate. Rodri also created a superb chance for Josko Gvardiol with a sublime ball midway through the second-half. Only an inspired Robin Roefs in the Sunderland goal denied Gvardiol’s header to prevent Rodri’s pass from having more significance.
Rodri also helped break up Sunderland’s play as his ability to read the game stood out. All told, in a half, Rodri showed that he could be poised to make a big impact during the second-half of this season.
Rodri vs Sunderland
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— ِ (@JXComps) January 1, 2026
Pep Guardiola acknowledged Manchester City’s improvement with Rodri on the pitch.
Speaking after his team’s draw against Sunderland, Pep Guardiola was quick to acknowledge how much better his team looked with Rodri playing in the centre of midfield during the second-half of last night’s match. Speaking on Rodri’s return, Pep Guardiola said: “*He changed the game. He proved in 45 minutes that he is the best in his position. Football is about the players, in the buildup we struggled and with Rodri we struggled less. He broke the lines, we moved better and hopefully one year and a half without him we missed him a lot and hopefully he can stay because he makes us a better team.*”
Final thoughts.
The second-half return of Rodri and his performance was the major positive for Manchester City to take from last night’s nil-all draw with Sunderland. The Ballon d’Or winner showed exactly what his team has missed so dearly in his absence. Looking ahead, if Rodri can stay fit, his return could prove to be a pivotal moment in this season. He showed more than enough last night to suggest that he will have a big role to play during the remainder of this season for his team.
Also, it must also be said that it isn’t a knock on Nico to see the difference in Manchester City’s play when Rodri replaced him. Nico has been a warrior this season for his team. It is also worth mentioning that Manchester City are not in the position they are in without Nico’s strong performances this season. Rodri is the barometer for midfielders who play in the number six role. If Rodri can stay fit, having he and Nico together will give Pep Guardiola’s side a formidable duo to utilise in midfield throughout the second-half of this season.