The Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal was abruptly terminated after only a few seconds when Gunners forward Kai Havertz collided with Rodri at the Etihad Stadium shortly after kickoff.
A unusual incident involving Kai Havertz resulted in the suspension of Manchester City’s match against Arsenal after only four seconds.
The German collided with Rodri scant moments after Michael Oliver initiated the game. The Manchester City midfielder collapsed to the ground, grasping his face, and necessitated medical attention.
After a nearly two-minute delay, he was permitted to resume play, and the game resumed. Havertz was also spared sanction.
Leon Osman, a former Everton midfielder, expressed his perspective on the peculiar confrontation. Rodri attempted to cross Havertz during an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, and Havertz proceeded to plow through him. Havertz anticipated the situation and struck him in the torso. Havertz stated, “If you are going to do that, I will leave a little bit to you.”
Erling Haaland, a City striker, executed a devastating challenge on Gabriel Magalhaes, an Arsenal player, mere moments later. Referee Oliver intervened and granted the Gunners a free kick; however, he declined to administer any additional penalties to the Norwegian forward.
Arsenal may have harbored the expectation that he would have done so following his concession to Pep Guardiola’s team. He was released behind the Gunners’ defense and scored with a clinical, low finish.
It was his 105th appearance for the club, and it marked his 100th goal since his arrival from German side Borussia Dortmund. This season, he has been in exceptional form, having tallied ten goals in the Premier League.
There were only 15 minutes remaining in the game, and it continued to be incident-riddled. During City’s attempt to extend their advantage, Spanish midfielder Rodri collapsed, grasping his knee, necessitating extensive medical attention.
Mateo Kovacic, Guardiola’s midfield companion, was also obliged to participate in the Euro 2024. City will now hope that Rodri does not miss any action in the upcoming months, as it was only his first Premier League start of the campaign.
The agony of Man City was further exacerbated by Arsenal’s summer acquisition, Riccardo Calafiori, who scored a remarkable equalizer from far away. The hosts were incensed by the goal, and manager Guardiola even went so far as to kick his seat. Ederson was also issued a yellow card during the post-goal celebrations.
