Manchester City had their first meeting with Arsenal in the Premier League last weekend for the 2024/25 campaign.
Mikel Arteta’s side have finished second behind City in the two previous Premier League seasons.
In the Manchester club’s Treble-winning campaign, the Gunners finished five points behind the Blues, whereas the gap was closed to just two points last term.
With last weekend’s game ending in a 2-2 draw, City were dealt a big blow in the first half as Rodri suffered a knee injury which Pep Guardiola has now revealed will keep him out for the rest of the season.
This has now led to one pundit sharing his thoughts on how Rodri’s injury could impact the title race and what he feels the main difference is between City and Arsenal’s credentials to win the trophy.
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Paul Merson highlights Man City’s big advantage over Arsenal
In a recent column for Sportskeeda, had this to say on the matter.
He said: “I still don’t believe Arsenal are favourites for the title now after the injury to Rodri.
“You look at the substitutes that Manchester City have, and look at the size of that squad compared to Arsenal, who were bringing on Gabriel Jesus, who City actually let go, there is certainly a difference.”
Man City have the experience of winning titles
Out of their five league games prior to their away match against Newcastle United, City have won four and drawn one, scoring more goals (13) than any other side in the division but conceding five along the way.
While Merson highlights City’s squad being stronger than Arsenal’s in terms of the individual players they have, the fact that the Blues have won six titles over the past seven years shows that those players have the experience and knowledge of what it takes to win the Premier League.
Even though the Manchester club will have to get through the remainder of the campaign without Rodri, who started 50 games for them across all competitions last season, the best thing they can do is focus on each game as it comes and do their best to not get into the habit of dropping points.
