I got the opportunity after the match to re-watch the whole game, apart from the first 10 minutes, on Spanish TV, and to my surprise the programme replayed the Rudiger attack in close up and slow motion, twice. The replays demonstrated that the defender planted his right foot as leverage then launched his right shoulder into the side of Gundogan's face. Much more subtle than using an elbow and I strongly suspect that it's the same technique he used on KDB two years ago. Fortunately for us Ilkay's facial bone structure would seem to be made of sterner stuff than Kevin's.
However, my immediate impression at the game was that Rudiger's action was motivated by the same concern that I still think prompted his attack on KDB ie. a desire to take out City's most influential midfielder (at that stage on Tuesday I believe Gundogan was having the biggest impact in midfield). So what is to stop him assaulting a key player again on Wednesday, having got clean away with it in Madrid? And what if it's KDB, God help us, that's having the most impact? I wouldn't even put it past Rudiger to try to smash up Rodri and he'd certainly have no qualms about laying into John Stones; indeed, of all our team I agree with another poster that only Haaland seems to me safe from his thuggery. It's worrying.
