Rodri wants Man City to move on quickly from frustration of Chelsea draw
The champions dropped two points in the Premier League title race after spurning a succession of opportunities in the second half
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Rodri wants Manchester City to move on quickly from the frustration of Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea.
The champions dropped two points in the Premier League title race after spurning a succession of opportunities in the second half of a compelling encounter at the Etihad Stadium.
It might even have been worse had Rodri not finally made a chance count by cancelling out Raheem Sterling’s first-half opener with a deflected strike in the 83rd minute.
The result ended City’s six-game winning league run and left them third in the table, four points behind leaders Liverpool with a game in hand, which they play on Tuesday against Brentford.
Midfielder Rodri said: “We could do better in some situations. We have to learn from the mistakes and try to move on. Sometimes a point is not bad.
“We are frustrated we didn’t win but after a few hours that is it. We move on.
“We keep fighting but we have to perform well in the next game against Brentford.
“It is one of the most important games because we can be there again at the top of the table with Liverpool, with one point (difference). This has to be the mentality.”
Chelsea were also guilty of wasting chances during a first half in which City proved vulnerable to the counter-attack.
Sterling eventually made them pay with a well-taken goal against his former club two minutes before the break.
City dominated the second period but could not find a way through until Rodri drove home after a Kyle Walker shot rebounded into his path.
Erling Haaland proved particularly profligate, even missing a free header from six yards, but Rodri was quick to defend the normally clinical Norwegian.
He said: “You have to be precise and effective and we weren’t, to be honest. We weren’t ourselves.
“But that is normal. It is not always (perfect).
“Erling always helps us with his goals but he had three chances and it couldn’t be possible. We’ll just support him and we know he is going to give us everything for the next ones.”
Chelsea have been inconsistent throughout the season but their confident performance offered plenty of reason for optimism heading into next week’s Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.
Goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic told chelseafc.com: “We didn’t realise our chances and we didn’t kill the game, maybe to make a two-goal lead and have a better chance.
“So we are a little disappointed but also happy because we showed to everyone we can play against a top team.
“It is a big motivation to everyone. We showed we can play and we will show that against Liverpool.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments