"When they came here, they didn't want to beat us" – Manchester City superstar calls out Arsenal's game plan, highlights difference in mentality
Manchester City star Rodri has lambasted Arsenal, ridiculing the Gunners' strategy of playing for a draw in their Premier League title-deciding clash at Etihad Stadium.
Earlier on Sunday (May 19), Manchester City beat West Ham United 3-1 at Etihad to secure their fourth straight league title. They finished the campaign on 91 points, while Mikel Arteta's side ended on 89 points.
During a post-game interview with Optus Sport, Rodri was asked how the Cityzens managed to beat Arsenal to the league title. He replied (h/t X/@Fabrizio Romano):
"I think, to be honest, it's in here [points to his head]. It's the mentality. Great players are all over the league, all over the clubs. Arsenal also they deserve, they did an unbelievable season, but I think the difference was in here [points to head again]."
Opining on City's 0-0 home draw against the Gunners, Rodri added:
"When they came here, they faced us here at the Etihad, I saw them and said, 'Ah 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 caught it. 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."
Manchester City, who lost 1-0 at Arsenal last October, were held to a goalless draw by the Gunners earlier this March. They dominated the clash with 72% possession, 618 passes, and 12 shots against the visitors.
The Gunners, on the other hand, played with a cautious approach during their visit to City's home ground. They completed 191 passes with 71% accuracy, registered just six shots, and created zero big chances.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hails Manchester City, praises Gunners stars for top displays
Following his team's 2-1 league win against Everton, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta offered his thoughts on missing out on the Premier League title to Manchester City. He said (h/t The Guardian):
"First of all, congratulations to City for winning the Premier League. It's unbelievable what [my players] have done. Since December we've been on [an] incredible journey with every performance at the highest level we've seen and it still wasn't enough."
Since the start of last December, the Emirates Stadium side recorded 19 wins, two draws, and four defeats in 25 Premier League matches.
Manchester City, on the other hand, registered 19 wins and four draws in their last 23 Premier League games, scoring a whopping 60 goals.