With time almost up after what was a Premier League classic, it appeared as though Liverpool were destined to snatch victory when Fabinho was presented with a open goal just six yards out after a cross had evaded Ederson’s grasp.
However, just as the Liverpool man pressed the trigger, defensive midfielder Rodrigo timed a block to perfection, sliding in to block the shot and so secure a vital point for City.
CITY+ commentator Ally Mann was in no doubt to the significance of the Spaniard’s intervention, hailing Rodrigo’s challenge as ‘the tackle of the century’ whilst on air.
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And in his post-match analysis on our latest edition of Matchday Live, former City and England defender Lescott was effusive in his praise for the Spaniard’s intervention – and as to it’s overall importance in the context of the season.
“I know Ally referred to it as the tackle of the 21st century but it’s one of the most important you’ll see. I reckon it’s going to be the most important tackle this season because it’s a tap-in,” Lescott declared.
“(Fabinho took a) good touch and then he probably just relaxes as he thinks it’s an open goal. But top defensive-minded players react the same way a striker would react when they are getting a chance.
“And that is the perfect example of the attitude: ‘It’s not over; there’s an opportunity and I’m gonna thrown my body on the line’ and what a great block.”
For his part, former City and England ‘keeper David James – Joleon’s fellow special guest on Sunday - was equally impressed with both the manner and execution of the block.
“For Rodri to get across in the way he did was just fantastic,” James reflected.
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“When you talk about how great these tackles are, Ederson must have been for a moment there thinking I have just not done something to stop us from conceding.
“Fabinho’s shot – he did everything right – even we were thinking that’s another goal – and wow that leg just extends. It was superb.”
The draw rounded off a gruelling and demanding eight days which saw City have to travel to Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Anfield.
And in the wake of a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge, a superb display in the French capital despite a 2-0 reverse and Sunday’s pulsating draw on Merseyside, Lescott and James had nothing but praise for the way City had tackled the most demanding week of the campaign.
“It has been a very good positive week, the scorelines don’t echo all the performances but if we had to lose one I’m OK with PSG as I still think we’ll go through (in the Champions League),” Lescott added.
“The performances in the league were immense and (Sunday) was a great result.”
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“Of the three games, the one could afford to lose was Paris Saint-Germain,” James asserted.
“The fact we have come back twice against Liverpool (says it all).
“And Chelsea and Liverpool will be concerned with how they played against City.”
