Gary Neville believes Man City are already some way short of the level required to challenge Arsenal for the Premier League title under Enzo Maresca.
The former Manchester United defender delivered his early verdict after City needed two late goals to beat Bournemouth 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Marc Guehi equalised before Josko Gvardiol struck in stoppage time, giving Maresca a winning start to his Premier League reign after the Community Shield defeat by Arsenal.
Neville was not convinced.
Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, he argued that City and Liverpool are both well below the standards they have set in recent years and backed Arsenal to retain their title.
He suggested that Manchester City are ‘well below where they need to be’ before identifying Rodri’s departure as a ‘massive blow’.
Sky Sports carries Neville’s comments and assessment of the title race.
Rodri departure shapes early City verdict
Neville is not alone in questioning City’s prospects without Rodri.
Jamie Carragher has also backed Arsenal for the title, admitting he had previously thought City could challenge but now ‘can’t see it’ following the midfielder’s departure.
That concern is hardly lost on Maresca. City are attempting to reshape their midfield and have already agreed a major deal for Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi and are reported to be eyeing Cody Gakpo.
The manager also gave a measured assessment after the Bournemouth game, describing his side as a ‘work in progress’ as they adjust to a new manager, new players and life without several major figures from the Guardiola era.
The Guardian reported Maresca’s post-match assessment following the Bournemouth victory.
Neville may eventually be proved right.
After one league game, though, City have at least done the most important thing while Maresca works through those problems: they have started with three points.
