Bernardo and Reijnders praise Rodri after Chelsea showing | OneFootball

Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders both reserved special praise for Rodri after his showing against Chelsea on Sunday.

Men's Team

We need to learn from Chelsea draw, says Rodri

The Spaniard played just his third 90 minutes of the Premier League season – and his first since September – in the 1-1 draw at the Etihad.

He immediately looked comfortable in the heart of midfield, completing 69 passes and having more touches than anyone else on the pitch.

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As with his second-half display at Sunderland on New Year’s Day, the No.16 was pivotal in helping City create chances from his deep-lying role.

Speaking after the game, club captain Bernardo Silva made it clear just how pleased he is to see the 29-year-old back.

“The team with Rodri is always a better team. Today I thought he was brilliant again,” he said.

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“With Rodri back, and having Jeremy [Doku] as well, we’re trying to get him back to his best, it’s always good news.”

Summer signing Tijjani Reijnders is enjoying getting to work with the 2024 Ballon d’Or after injuries kept him sidelined for much of the first half of the season.

“With Rodri in the team, he brings a lot of calmness and it’s a great day to play with him. He plays the game very quick and he’s a top player,” he said.

Enzo Fernandez’s late, late goal denied City all three points after Reijnders’ first-half strike had given us the lead.

The Dutch international was pleased to notch the fifth goal of his maiden season at the Etihad but frustrated not to come away with the win.

“It’s good but very disappointing because for me, it’s important to win but unfortunately these things happen,” he said.

“I want to be important for the team of course, I have to do my job, and I have to show what the manager wants me to do, and from there on, keep working.

“Conceding a goal this late is always hard, but we still have a chance to turn this around and there’s still a long way to go.”

City v Brighton tickets on general sale

We welcome an entertaining Brighton side to the Etihad at 19:30 (UK) on Wednesday 7 January.

And with tickets now on general sale, you could be there to see it!

Fans can now claim three tickets each, with adults from £30 and concessions as low as £15.

Or make it a night to remember with hospitality packages starting from just £180 per person and a wide range of experiences available to suit your budget.

Kick off the new year in style!