Arsenal have been handed a huge boost in their quest for Premier League glory after Manchester City midfielder Rodri suffered a potentially season-ending injury.
The Gunners have not won the Premier League since legendary former coach Arsene Wenger lifted the title in 2004.
A Rivalry is Born
20 years later and that could change though.
Mikel Arteta’s men came within touching distance of dethroning Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City last season. The Gunners missed out on the title by just two points.
Going again, and looking even better, Arsenal, thanks to some impressive recruitment in the summer, look another solid pick to push the Cityzens the whole way.
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The pair faced off for the first time in the Premier League on Sunday, and Arsenal came agonizingly close to doing something they haven’t done since January 2015 — beating Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
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Despite Erling Haaland giving the home team the lead after just nine minutes, Arsenal fought back and completed a first-half comeback thanks to goals from defensive pairing Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel.
Leandro Trossard’s sending off just seconds before the halftime break set the tone for the second 45 minutes though. The Belgian’s harsh dismissal piled the pressure on the Gunners with Arteta making several changes, including substituting captain Bukayo Saka for Ben White.
Penned back into their own half for the entire second half, Arsenal’s backs were against the wall as City pushed for a dramatic equalizer — and the home team got their breakthrough after 99 minutes of action.
Man City Comeback Marred by Rodri Injury
Defender John Stones came to his side’s rescue and netted a crucial equalizer following a goal-line scrap.
The 30-year-old last-gasp strike ensured City’s perfect start to the season remained intact but the Cityzens’ celebrations have since been dampened.
It has emerged midfielder Rodri has suffered a significant knee injury.
The Spain international and contender to win this year’s Ballon d’Or was forced off the pitch after just 21 minutes and replaced by Mateo Kovacic.
And according to reports on Monday, including one from the NY Times’ David Ornstein, Rodri now faces a prolonged spell on the sidelines.
Arsenal’s Odds Tumble
The midfielder’s latest setback has had a huge effect on the betting markets. Viewed as the heavy favorites to win what would be their ninth Premier League title before a ball was even kicked, City, previously priced at -145 have now drifted to +135.
Although the 2022-23 Champions League winners are still the bookmakers’ favorites to go all the way, it’s a lot narrower, with Rodri’s injury seeing some serious money go onto Arsenal.
The odds earlier this summer saw Arteta’s side begin the campaign as +220 second-favorites. The Londoners’ price has since shortened to +150 with some fans even speculating they could soon become the outright favorites if they competently beat Leicester City next weekend.
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