For once Pep Guardiola is making the wrong kind of history. For the first time in his managerial career it is four defeats on the spin for the 12-time league winner. Five points off the Premier League summit,

Guardiola’s contract situation still lingers, as does a possible points deduction should Man City be found guilty of Profit & Sustainability Rules breaches that they vehemently deny. Those are two pretty emphatic-looking endings on the horizon, but beyond that is a squad looking increasingly lopsided and old.

Rodri's injury and subsequent recommendation have injected significant drama into Manchester City's January transfer plans. His influence, even from the sidelines, highlights his importance to the team and sets the stage for a potentially pivotal transfer battle to address their midfield crisis.