Rodri Absence Not Main Factor As Guardiola Defends Manchester City's Title Bid

Manchester City enter their match against Brentford knowing any further slip could hand Arsenal the Premier League title, yet Pep Guardiola maintains Rodri’s injury is not the main reason for recent dropped points, even as Manchester City wait to see if Rodri can return to protect their defence.

Arsenal now lead the Premier League title race outright and will be champions if they win their remaining three fixtures, which leaves Manchester City needing a near-perfect finish, with Guardiola stressing that the group, rather than one player, must respond under pressure during the closing weeks.

Rodri sat out Manchester City’s 3-3 draw at Everton with a groin problem, and Guardiola explained that medical staff will make a late call on the midfielder before Brentford, saying: "We will see this afternoon," while also warning that Rodri still does not feel fully at ease.

Guardiola underlined that Manchester City cannot blame one absence for the situation in the Premier League title race, insisting: "We have survived without him for many months. It does not depend on him. We gave it away, but not because Rodri was not there. He still doesn’t feel completely comfortable. When he will be ready, we will see this afternoon. Hopefully it will be tomorrow."

The draw at Everton again exposed Manchester City’s habit of letting leads slip, despite Jeremy Doku curling in the opener and later scoring another fine goal after Everton had surged from 1-0 down to 3-1 up, with Erling Haaland also on target as Manchester City recovered to claim only a single point.

Across this Premier League campaign, Manchester City have surrendered 17 points from winning positions, their highest figure since the 2008-09 season, when they let 20 points slip, while 12 of those dropped points have arrived in 2026, the joint-most in the division alongside Newcastle United and Tottenham.

Manchester City, Phil Foden and Premier League title race squad depth

Jeremy Doku’s influence continues to grow, with the winger creating 50 chances from open play in the league, more than any other player without using set-pieces, leading Guardiola to joke about Manchester City’s form in the Premier League title race: "The manager, always! When a player plays well it is because of the manager, when they play badly it is because of them!"

Guardiola expanded on Doku’s contribution for Manchester City as the Premier League title race tightens, saying: "I am so glad that he is making a step and feeling that our wingers have to score and make an impact, not just go one against one. Jeremy has been amazing this season."

Nico Gonzalez deputised for Rodri in midfield at Hill Dickinson Stadium but won only two of six duels, while further up the pitch Phil Foden has sometimes dropped to the bench due to Doku’s form, with Guardiola stating that a new long-term agreement for Foden is close: "I asked my sporting director. He said they are close, and hopefully it is going to happen. It is not done yet."

With Arsenal holding the advantage, Manchester City approach the Brentford fixture needing Rodri’s fitness to improve, Doku’s creativity to continue and the wider squad, including Phil Foden, to deliver consistent performances if they are to extend the Premier League title race until the final day.