“It’s a sad day for them” - Micah Richards makes Premier League title race prediction between Manchester City and Arsenal following Rodri’s injury
Micah Richards has delivered a fresh verdict on the Premier League title race between Arsenal and Manchester City following Rodri's injury. The pundit believes the contest will be more balanced now, with each side having an equal chance of lifting the title this season.
The Gunners and the Cityzens locked horns in an epic Premier League showdown last weekend (22 September). The entertaining fixture ended in a 2-2 draw and saw tensions boil over at the Etihad.
Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the ninth minute before Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhaes scored to put Arsenal 2-1 up at the break. While the Gunners managed to maintain their lead for most of the second period, John Stones' stoppage-time equalizer secured a point for Manchester City.
Rodri was subbed off for Mateo Kovacic in the 21st minute after clashing with Thomas Partey and going down on the pitch. The Spanish midfielder was seen limping off the field, causing concern over his fitness.
City have confirmed that the EURO 2024 winner has suffered a knee ligament injury, with some reports suggesting that he could miss the remainder of the campaign.
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has now offered his thoughts on the title race in light of Rodri's injury. He said on The Rest is Football podcast (via Metro):
"I’m absolutely devastated for him. He’s the one who passionately spoke about there being too many games and then he goes and get injured so it’s a sad day for Manchester City.
"I think it makes it more balanced in terms of Arsenal’s chances of winning the league. I don’t think it makes them favourites but I think it’s 50-50 now."
Rodri has won four Premier Leagues, one Champions League, and one FA Cup, amongst other accolades, with the Cityzens.
Craig Burley issues fresh PL title race prediction between Arsenal and Manchester City after Rodri's injury
ESPN pundit Craig Burley has weighed in on the effects of Rodri's injury on the title race between Arsenal and City this season.
The Gunners came close to ending their drought for a Premier League title after vehemently challenging Manchester City over the past two seasons. However, the north Londoners fell short on both occasions as the Cityzens defended their crown.
Speaking ahead of the 2024-25 season, ESPN pundit Craig Burley backed Arsenal to clinch the title this term, while Liverpool, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur occupied the rest of his top four.
Burley believes Rodri's injury will be a massive blow for Pep Guardiola's side and that the Gunners remain his favorites. He said (via TBR Football):
“I’m kind of sticking to what I said before. Rodri’s injury is going to be a huge blow and I don’t think Arsenal have played at their best at the start of the season but I think they’re strong. If they don’t sort out their discipline, that will reverse for me.”