There were hints here of how Manchester City might struggle in Rodri’s absence as they could not achieve the control their No 6 often brings. Yet Pep Guardiola’s men still sailed to a 4-0 victory, James McAtee’s 73rd-minute strike the last of them, which was a first in club colours, and sealed City’s opening win of this 36-side league phase.
Guardiola chose Ilkay Gündogan and Matheus Nunes in central midfield to fill the Rodri void but City could cede possession cheaply around Slovan Bratislava’s area and be open to the attack: two issues the Spaniard’s presence often stymies.
