Rodri has revealed what he feels was the one huge difference between Manchester City and Arsenal in the title race.
- READ MORE: Who is Rodri? Get to know Man City’s modest midfield maestro who won a Champions League final
Mikel Arteta’s side lost the league title to City by two points, suffering a similar fate to Jurgen Klopp’s teams in the past.
As Pep Guardiola’s men have been crowned the champions of England, many will wonder how they got the better of the Gunners. For large parts of the season, Arteta and Co. seemed to be far and away the best team in the country and yet, the Sky Blues have pipped them to the title again.
Rodri explains where Man City and Arsenal won and lost the title
Speaking to Optus Sport, Rodri said: “I think, to be honest, it’s in here [points to his head]. It’s the mentality. Great players are all over the leagues, all over the clubs, Arsenal also, they deserved it, they did an unbelievable season but I think the difference was in here.”
Rodri also emphasised that the cautious approach from Arsenal during their 0-0 draw against Manchester City in March was a tell-tale sign about their mentality.
“When they came here, when they face us here at the Etihad, I saw them, these guys, they don’t want to beat us, they just want to draw and that mentality, I think we wouldn’t do it the same way and we catch them.”
The £62.5 million concluded: “At the end if you give us one point, we will win the last seven, eight games, even though how tough it is so I think it’s in terms of mentality.”
Interesting observation from Rodri
Rodri states that due to how defensive Arsenal were on the day, the Manchester City players were aware that they did not wish to defeat them at the Etihad Stadium.
If the North London side had beaten the Sky Blues, they would have gained a huge psychological advantage over them in the title race.
Perhaps the precautious approach from Arsenal gave the City players, including Rodri the belief that sooner rather than later, they would slip up in the title race.
Regardless of the season they were having, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool teams would always try to give Manchester City a tough time.
For instance, last season, the Reds beat City 1-0 at Anfield last season, despite finishing in fifth place.
Mikel Arteta’s side seemingly decided not to and defended for their lives for most of the game.
