Manchester City maintained their perfect start to the season with a sixth successive Premier League win, claiming a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. But they played the second half with 10 men.
Goals by Phil Foden and Erling Haaland put the champions in cruise control within 15 minutes but Rodri’s red card one minute into the second period after a needless altercation with Morgan Gibbs-White meant City had to work hard to seal the victory.
“We played, I would say, 51, 52 minutes 10 against 11, so it was not easy, but we were fantastic,” City manager Pep Guardiola said. “I thought the way we played in the first half was amazing against a difficult side for the physicality, the pace they have up front.”
Asked about Rodri’s sending off which means he will likely miss three games, Guardiola said: “Rodri has to control his emotions. I can get a yellow card but Rodri cannot get a red.
“He has done it. He has apologised. The players in the pitch have to control their emotions.”
City rivals, Manchester United also got a much-needed 1-0 win at Burnley to snap a run of three straight defeats in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Everton registered their first league victory of the season, producing an impressive display to triumph 3-1 at Brentford whose home struggles continued.
Elsewhere, Luton Town got off the mark as they drew 1-1 against 10-man visitors Wolverhampton Wanderers while Crystal Palace and Fulham played out a 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park.