When Manchester City walked off the pitch after a frantic 3-3 draw at Everton, the narrative wrote itself: Rodri's absence was the decisive factor. But is that really the full story, or has the Spanish midfielder's importance been somewhat overstated?

Let's rewind. Manchester City's 2024-25 season—the first trophyless campaign in eight years under Pep Guardiola—was undeniably disrupted by a series of injuries to key players. None loomed larger than Rodri's serious knee injury, which sidelined the Ballon d'Or winner for most of the campaign. The 2024 Ballon d'Or wasn't just a personal accolade; it was a statement of his value to a team that had grown accustomed to silverware.

Now back to fitness, Rodri has featured in 35 games for club and country this season, but his return hasn't been smooth. Hamstring and groin issues have kept him on the sidelines, and Guardiola is still assessing whether he can face Brentford this Saturday. "We have survived without him for many, many months," Guardiola said cautiously. "He still doesn't feel completely comfortable. He will be ready when he is fit."

There's no denying Rodri's impact when he plays. He was instrumental in the Carabao Cup final win against Arsenal and a driving force in the 2-1 league victory over the same side that gave City the edge in the title race. Guardiola noted in March that the 29-year-old was improving "step by step." But then came the groin injury that forced him off in that very Arsenal match.

Since then, City have managed narrow wins against Burnley and Southampton without him. But Monday's chaotic draw at Everton was a different story. City let a lead slip, conceding three goals in 13 second-half minutes before Jeremy Doku's stunning strike rescued a point. Their defense was sliced open repeatedly, with the midfield offering little protection. The raucous atmosphere at the Hill Dickinson Stadium demanded calm heads—and Rodri's absence was felt acutely.

So, has his absence cost City? The evidence suggests it's not quite that simple. City have survived without him for long stretches, but when the pressure is highest and the game gets chaotic, his presence is irreplaceable. The real question might be: how much longer can City rely on him to be their anchor, or is it time to rethink their midfield depth? For now, the stats and the results tell a nuanced story—one where Rodri's importance is real, but perhaps not the only factor in City's stumble.