Man City vs Arsenal stopped after EIGHT SECONDS as Rodri falls to floor and immediate VAR check

ARSENAL’S trip to Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium was stopped after just EIGHT SECONDS.

As the game kicked off, Gunners forward Kai Havertz seemed to run into City’s Rodri.

Rodri went down after eight seconds following a collision with Kai Havertz

Play was forced to a stop

The Spanish midfielder went down clutching his face as referee Michael Oliver got immediate instructions from VAR.

But the official waved play on following a big break in play with Havertz’s collision adjudged to have been accidental.

Fans online sided with Havertz as one said: “Embarrassing from Rodri that is.”

Another added: “Embarrassing from Rodri…”

One fumed: “That’s genuinely so embarrassing from Rodri.”

Another raged: “Absolutely pathetic from Rodri.”

Gooner Piers Morgan posted: “Poor Rodri, is he still alive? Looked a really savage light brush with Havertz’s hand.”

But it was City fans who were soon cheering as just minutes later Erling Haaland opened the scoring.

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The Norwegian goal machine made in ten in just five appearances for City’s start to the season.

Rodri was later forced off after what appeared to be an off the ball incident on 20 minutes.

Physios took him off with Mateo Kovacic coming on in replace.

The game took a further twist when Arsenal’s summer signing Riccardo Calafiori levelled with a sublime curling effort.