Man City: Rodri to miss Arsenal clash after sending off against Nottingham

Midfielder sent off for altercation with Morgan Gibbs-White in Man City’s match with Nottingham Forest at the Etihad; Spaniard will miss games vs Newcastle in EFL Cup (September 27), and both Wolves (September 30) and Arsenal (October 8) in Premier League

Rodri will miss Manchester City’s upcoming Premier League game against Arsenal next month after being sent off for violent conduct against Nottingham Forest.

The midfielder was shown a straight red after raising his hands and pushing Morgan Gibbs-White following an altercation by the corner flag.

“He pushed him in the neck,” said former Premier League referee Mike Dean as he analysed the incident on Soccer Saturday.

Anthony Taylor’s decision to dismiss Rodri was reviewed by VAR but the decision was upheld. Manchester City can appeal the decision but it appears unlikely after Pep Guardiola’s comments following the win.

“Hopefully, Rodri will learn,” said the City manager, who revealed the midfielder had apologised for his actions. “Rodri has to control himself and his emotion. That is what he has to do.

“I can get a yellow card, Rodri cannot get a yellow card because they are inside the pitch.

“I said at half-time, ‘Be careful, guys. Be careful.’ Unfortunately, we could not do it. Rodri could not do it.”

Asked if Rodri had let him down, Guardiola replied: “Yeah. I don’t like to play with 10 because it is our fault.”

Rodri, who was hailed in midweek as the best holding midfielder in the world by Guardiola, will miss City’s upcoming Carabao Cup game with Newcastle on Wednesday, plus the Premier League matches against Wolves next Saturday and at Arsenal on Sunday October 8.

“City supporters can debate that if they like but it is an inexplicable decision by Rodri rather than the officials,” observed Adam Bate in Sky Sports’ match commentary.

In the game, Manchester City maintained their perfect Premier League record this season with a 2-0…