Rodri changed the game, says Guardiola | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Rodri after his second-half performance in our goalless draw at Sunderland.

The Spaniard was substituted on at the break and completed 52 passes as City pushed for a winner.

It marked his first appearance since a minute-long cameo against Bournemouth in early November after more than a year of injury worries.

Sunderland 0-0 City | Match report

While we didn’t find the goal at the Stadium of Light, Guardiola highlighted the impact the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner had on our showing.

“He changed the game. He proved in 45 minutes that he is the best in his position,” said Guardiola.

“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.”

Men's Team

Bumper January to come at the Etihad Stadium!

City came close to a winner several times, with Erling Haaland and Josko Gvardiol both forcing excellent saves from Robin Roefs and Savinho clearing the bar from close range.

Our first goalless draw of the season leaves us four points back from leaders Arsenal, but Guardiola says he’s happy with how his team stood up against a side unbeaten at home this term.

“A really good game, especially the second half,” said Guardiola.

“The first half was tight, we just missed to score a goal in the six-yard box.

“We had many there, good actions against a fantastic team but I’m so proud and delighted at the way we played in a difficult stadium against difficult opponent.

“We did everything to win but we could not win it.”

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!