By Gabriel Agbonlahor

11th Oct, 2023 | 5:40pm

Agbonlahor delivers new title verdict after Man City lose three star men to injury - 'looking at it now'

Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted Man City are still Premier League title favourites despite struggling without the likes of Kevin de Bruyne, John Stones and Bernardo Silva.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested “everyone’s talking about Man United’s injury problems” – but turning a blind eye to the absences at the Etihad Stadium.

Man City suffered a 1-0 loss away at Arsenal on Sunday (8 October) – which is already their third defeat of the season.

They were dumped out of the League Cup at the third round by Newcastle last month, while Wolves recorded a shock 2-1 win over the treble-winners at Molineux on 30 September.

Stones and De Bruyne have played just 45 combined minutes this season, while Bernardo Silva suffered a fresh injury last month before returning to the side for the Arsenal defeat.

Rodri has been suspended for City’s last three games after a straight red card against Nottingham Forest and will return for their clash with Brighton on 21 October.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “When you look at it, everyone’s talking about Man United’s injury problems at the moment.

“But Man City have got those problems too.

“Bernardo Silva, Stones, De Bruyne – they are three guaranteed starters in the best side.

“They just haven’t looked as good in midfield with the likes of Kovacic, Matheus Nunes and Kalvin Phillips coming in.

“You can add Rodri’s suspension into that as well. 

“Once they get two of those four players back, I think they’ll be back to normal.

“I still think Man City are favourites to win the league.”

In other news, Pep Guardiola “really annoyed” at Man City stars after confirmed news.