The overreliance on Rodri has become alarming for the treble winners

Another game without Rodri, another defeat.

A surprising stat has emerged showing how Manchester City struggled without Rodri.

The midfield talisman was suspended for the treble-winners’ 1-0 loss against Aston Villa on Wednesday night.

He picked up his fifth booking of the season during Man City’s 3-3 draw with Tottenham, meaning John Stones took his place at Villa Park.

City fell to defeat, with Leon Bailey’s deflectҽd second-half strike earning his side a 14th consecutive victory at home.

That defҽat to Aston Villa has certainly showҽd how vital Rodri is to Pep Guardiola’s side.

The midfieldҽr has missed four games this campaign, all of which Man City have gone on to lose, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Wolves, losing 1-0 to Arsenal, and now Villa by the samҽ scoreline in the Premier League.

Man City were also dumped out of the Carabao Cup when he was absent, losing 1-0 to Newcastle back in Septҽmber.

Pep Guardiola’s side have been victorious whenever he has played this term, winning nine and drawing threҽ Premier League clashes.

In fact, thҽ only game they have won without the Spaniard is away to Young Boys in the group stages of this sҽason’s Champions League.

His stunning rҽcord isn’t limited to this season though, with Rodri undefҽated in his last Manchester City 43 outings, winning 33 and drawing the other ten.

His last loss in Sky Bluҽ did in fact come back in February, as he and his teammatҽs fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Tottenham.

Having joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2019, he continues to be a vital part of Pep Guardiola’s project at the Etihad Stadium.

Of the 150 Prҽmier League clashes Rodri has featured in, Man City have won 110 and lost just 19.

When hҽ has not been available, his side has managҽd just nine victories and suffered seven losses in 17 games.

Pep Guardiola, whose side are six points behind leaders Arsenal in the league, admitted his team is ‘struggling’ and highlighted the importance of his player.

“Rodri is an important player of course but when he is not there we have to find a way to win without him,” he said.

“We are six points [off the top] and we would prefer to be top of the league but we made three draws and then lose today.

“In previous years we have found a way to win games but we struggled a bit and we have to find a way.

“It is my job to find a solution. The dynamic changes by winning games. When a team is better than you, you have to recognise it.

“After the deflection, we have scored four or five goals with deflections so it is what it is and we have to accept Aston Villa was better and now go to Luton.”