The Spanish midfielder made amends for a sloppy individual performance by blasting in a late winner after his side had thrown away the lead
Cometh the hour, cometh Rodri. Even when the Spain international plays badly, as he did against Sheffield United on Sunday, he has the capacity to pull a rabbit out of the hat and get Manchester City out of jail.
City had endured a frustrating afternoon against the doggedly defensive Blades, which included Erling Haaland smashing a first-half penalty against the post. The Norwegian finally found the breakthrough goal with a header, only for a moment of madness from Kyle Walker with five minutes left to play to pave the way for the hosts to equalise through Jayden Bogle.
City were in serious danger of dropping their first points of the season but not for the first time, Rodri bailed them out with a stunning strike into the top corner in the 88th minute.
GOAL rates Man City's players from Bramall Lane…
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Ederson (5/10):
Didn't have to face a shot until after the 70th minute. Nearly ran into trouble with a sloppy kick out to Ahmedhodzic but fortunately for him the shot missed the target. Bit shaky dealing with crosses, too.
Kyle Walker (5/10):
Very active going forward and at times took responsibility for getting a goal himself. Undid his good work with a complacent backheel in the area which led to the equaliser.
Ruben Dias (7/10):
Assured on the ball and so hard for Sheffield United to get past.
Nathan Ake (6/10):
Composed on the ball and threw himself about to make blocks when the hosts finally started to attack.
Josko Gvardiol (6/10):
Rarely troubled but still doesn't quite look on the same wavelength as his team-mates.
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Mateo Kovacic (7/10):
Very composed, threading everything together smoothly.
Rodri (6/10):
Was having a stinker of a game, misplacing passes and overhitting crosses. But, as in Istanbul, he delivered when it mattered most with a brutal finish.
Bernardo Silva (6/10):
Hit and miss on his return. Dispossessed in his own area but also provided many nice touches and passes.
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Julian Alvarez (8/10):
Incisive, on the ball and always a threat. Unlucky not to score at least once and it took some fine saves from Wes Foderingham to prevent him doing so.
Erling Haaland (6/10):
A very poor game by his usual standards. Had a compelling battle with the hosts' centre-backs then wasted his penalty. Made amends by scoring the header but was still very wasteful.
Jack Grealish (7/10):
Always a threat. Found the breakthrough goal with an inviting cross for Haaland to head home.
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Phil Foden (N/A:
Came on for the final five minutes and laid the ball off for Rodri's winner.
Juanma Lillo (5/10):
In charge while Guardiola recovers from a back operation. Was not very animated on the sidelines and only made one change.