Owen Hargreaves has shared what Manchester City should now do in order to ensure a “fascinating” title race against the likes of Arsenal.
The Citizens sent a strong message to the rest of Europe with a superb 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Phil Foden’s brace and further goals from Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki gave Man City their sixth win in seven games in all competitions.
The Citizens have racked up 10 of the 12 available points so far in the competition, while they also sit second in the Premier League – six points off leaders Arsenal.
Although the Gunners have made a very strong start, Hargreaves is confident that Man City can find themselves in the title mix soon.
Owen Hargreaves says full Rodri return would make Manchester City a force to be reckoned with
Hargreaves reckons the Citizens have turned a corner and are now ready to challenge on all fronts, noting Rodri’s absence was seriously felt last season.
“I think he [Pep Guardiola] knows his team is getting back to its best,” the former City ace said on TNT Sports.
“I think it helps having somebody like [Gianluigi] Donnarumma in goal and [Erling] Haaland at the top of the pitch. But it just feels like they’ve got all these brilliant little players.
“Even [Rayan] Cherki coming on, scored a fantastic goal. Him and Phil Foden are going to be good fun in supporting Haaland.
“I think he’s got a great squad again. Last year, with all the injuries and Rodri… and then the confidence went down.
“I think they’re slowly building; doing well in the Champions League. Second in the Premier League.
“Obviously got a big game on Sunday [against Liverpool]. If they win that, then it’s game on for everything.”
Hargreaves elaborated on Rodri, saying City would become major contenders for the title if they can get him back regularly.
“As great as Arsenal are, they haven’t done it,” the former England midfielder continued. “They haven’t won it yet. They’re getting there, they’re going to win it eventually.
“But the last team that you want chasing you is these guys, who have been there and done it for such a long time. The players and the manager.
“I think they’ve put themselves in a great position, Arsenal, but this City team are going to chip away quietly.
“And if they can get Rodri back into the mix, with this team, with what they’ve have, then it’s going to be a fascinating title race.”
What is Rodri’s situation?
Rodri had made a return to action as a late substitute against Bournemouth, having been sidelined for a number of weeks with a hamstring injury picked up at Brentford.
However, the Ballon d’Or winner was not involved against Dortmund and it remains to be seen when he will be able to feature consistently for Guardiola’s side.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s game, the City boss said of Rodri’s absence: “He doesn’t feel perfect, so that’s why we don’t take a risk.
“He will come back… this little, little, little setback makes me realise everything, that we need a little more time to feel good and play football – doesn’t matter if he plays good or bad – knowing that he’s fine and he will not be out for a while.”
