Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Mon 23 March 2026 9:00, UK

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Rodri has had Manchester City supporters waiting patiently for his real return from injury, and he finally showed that against Arsenal.

Pep Guardiola thwarted Mikel Arteta and the Gunners from lifting their first title since 2019 just that little while longer, claiming a 2-0 win in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, 22 March.

It was the Nico O’Reilly final, with the exciting full-back netting both of Man City’s goals at Wembley Stadium, but it was a total team performance that stopped Arsenal in their tracks.

Man City next face Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-finals, which could be another trophy for the club, but the Citizens are unlikely to catch the Gunners in the race for the Premier League title, sadly.

Man City want the Ballon d’Or-winning Rodri back

Rodri’s serious injury at the Etihad Stadium gave Nico Gonzalez an opportunity to spread his wings, but the 24-year-old’s game time could be limited once again.

The Spaniard has now started seven out of the team’s last eight matches, and while many of them have been good, there was no way he was flying under the radar against Arsenal.

Due to his elite positioning, the 29-year-old rarely had to rush around the pitch, not making a single tackle during the 90 minutes, but there is more to life for a defensive midfielder than that.

Rodri played a key role in City’s attack and constant pressure at Wembley, boxing the Gunners into their own defensive third, never looking like threatening James Trafford’s goal much after the early stages.

Man City star foils Arsenal’s title-winning plans a little longer

Arteta’s side were quickest out of the blocks, but failed to hit the back of the net. Trafford was arguably as crucial, despite having little to do in the second half, but Rodri kept up the pressure until full time.

The Spaniard never gave the Gunners a moment to breathe, always recycling the ball and feeding it straight back to Jeremy Doku or Rayan Cherki, who caused problems all day on the flanks.

It was the type of performance that likely would win a Premier League title, but thanks to City’s inconsistencies and Arsenal pulling nine points ahead, that looks unlikely now.

Mick Brown told Football Insider that Rodri could be tempted to join Real Madrid in the summer amid frustrations at the Etihad, but the Citizens would be lost without him in the centre of the park.