The combative midfielder broke the deadlock at the Etihad Stadium in the 11th minute when he strode onto Jeremy Doku’s pinpoint cross and slammed past Robin Olsen.
Although the visitors equalised nine minutes later, a sublime Phil Foden hat-trick helped the hosts to a deserved three points which extended our unbeaten streak in all competitions to 24 matches.
Underpinned by Rodrigo’s quality on and off the ball, the Blues’ overall performance was the perfect response to our 0-0 stalemate with Arsenal in our pre-Villans assignment.
And the boss declared the 27-year-old as the best operator in his position across the division.
“Rodri is the best. In his position he is the best. He can do everything,” Guardiola said.
“The quality that he reads the game with. His mentality, always he is ready. Rodri is top, top. What can I say?
“Other teams don’t have a player like him. He is so good in many, many things.
“We have alternatives but the presence, physicality, he is complete. He is an incredible signing for Manchester City.”
Watch Guardiola’s full post-Aston Villa press conference in the video player above!
