Heading into the international break, there will be no changes atop the Premier League table with Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool all picking up victories in very different ways. Arne Slot's Reds managed their match against Crystal Palace while Arsenal legged out a dominant comeback victory and City hung on to survive a home clash against Fulham.
While all three teams won, it's a day that shows all victories aren't created equal and that City could be coming back to earth without Rodri to anchor their midfield. His replacement, Mateo Kovavic had an excellent match, scoring a brace, but even with that, City lost the expected goals battle to Fulham 1.50 to 2.40. Fulham were able to create excellent chances playing through a usually stout midfield and while City found chances without Erling Haaland scoring, winning matches 3-2 isn't sustainable.
Credit has to be given to Fulham who are becoming a strong midtable side, but this City team is night and day without the Spaniard in the center of the park. In league play, Rodri has started 35 matches between this season and last season with City not losing a match scoring 90 goals while allowing 29. In the 10 matches that he hasn't started, City lost three, scoring 21 goals and allowing 11. While it's a small sample size, it shows how much more vulnerable City are without him protecting the defense.
It's a drastic contrast to Arsenal and Liverpool's game management this season. All three sides are inside the top 10 of expected goal difference but for City, it's down to Haaland's exploits, while Liverpool hasn't allowed good chances in matches. For Arsenal, they've wobbled a little, but once they go behind in a match it's like the team unlocks another gear.
Against Southampton, the Gunners went behind in the 55th minute and then proceeded to score three unanswered goals to put the result out of sight. They did the same thing against Leicester City when the match went level in the 63rd minute scoring two goals in stoppage time to win and put the result out of sight. These Gunners never feel like they're out of a match which allows them to play with impressive freedom despite how high the stakes are after finishing second best for two seasons running.
City is the team with a target on their backs and while their talent can never be counted out, especially with Phil Foden back healthy, this doesn't feel like last season's machine. The defense allows chances and without Julian Alvarez, who left for Atletico Madrid over the summer, there isn't another recognized striker if Haaland misses time. The Norwegian has had an impressive availability record since joining City from Borussia Dortmund, but even he can't play in every game.
Teams around Pep Guariola's men have taken advantage of that uncertainty which could lead to an exciting race down the stretch this season. Balancing multiple competitions will be tough but with the depth that Arsenal and Liverpool have, they have the advantage on that front. No one can touch City's first choice XI but with that team unavailable, it's anyone's league.
