May 20th 2024.
In March, Manchester City midfielder Rodri opened up about his thoughts on Arsenal's approach when they faced off against each other at the Etihad Stadium. As City secured their fourth consecutive Premier League title, Rodri pointed out that Arsenal's tactics during that game may have played a crucial role in the title race.
Pep Guardiola's team sealed their victory with a comfortable 3-1 win over West Ham on Sunday, making it a relatively drama-free afternoon. This rendered Arsenal's 2-1 win over Everton somewhat insignificant, as City finished the season with a two-point lead over their rivals.
While many fans and experts believe that Arsenal's defeat at home to Aston Villa was the turning point in their title hopes, Rodri actually believes it was their highly praised draw at the Etihad that will haunt them. In that game, Mikel Arteta's side put on a defensive masterclass, frustrating City with a mere 27% possession - their lowest of the entire season. However, Rodri believes that if the roles were reversed and City were in Arsenal's shoes, they would have gone all out for the win. It is this mentality that he believes sets City apart from their competitors.
During an interview with Optus Sport, Rodri was asked about City's winning streak, to which he replied, "To be honest, I think it's in here [pointing to his head]. It's the mentality." He went on to acknowledge that there are great players in every team, but it is the mindset that ultimately makes the difference. In the last seven seasons, City have clinched the title in six of them, highlighting the importance of their strong mentality.
Rodri also mentioned Arsenal's impressive season and admitted that they deserve credit for their performances. However, he believes that the difference between the two teams was their mentality, especially during their game at the Etihad. He recalled thinking, "Ah, these guys, they don't want to beat us, they just want a draw." This realization only further solidified his belief that City's mentality is what sets them apart from their opponents.
When asked if he knew after the game at the Etihad that City would go on to win the title, Rodri replied with confidence, "We believed." He acknowledged that it was not an easy feat, and even though they had never won at Tottenham's home ground before, they found a way to come out on top. He also reflected on his own growth in terms of mentality since joining City, proving that it is a crucial factor in their success.
In other news, there have been reports of a potential transfer for Manchester United's underperforming player, as Rivaldo urges Arsenal's star to seek a new club. Meanwhile, Chelsea has reached out to a target who was previously linked with United, as they look to replace their outgoing manager Mauricio Pochettino. In a scathing attack, Thiago Silva took a parting shot at his Chelsea teammates before his emotional exit, while the lineups and team news for the Arsenal vs Everton game have been confirmed. These and more stories can be found by signing up for our newsletter.
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