‘They didn’t want to beat us’ – Rodri points to mentality as reason for City winning title over Arsenal | OneFootball

Manchester City midfielder Rodri claims his side’s edge in mentality helped them win the title over Arsenal and says their goalless draw at the Etihad in March was pivotal in City winning a fourth Premier League in a row.

City’s 3-1 win over West Ham on the final day of the season confirmed the title for Pep Guardiola’s side, with Rodri scoring his side’s final goal of the game.

Arsenal, meanwhile, finished as runners up for the second season in a row and Rodri claims the Gunners settled for a point when the two sides met in Manchester, which he says was key in his team going on to win another league title.

That is despite City failing to beat Arsenal in their three clashes this season.

Pointing to his head, Rodri told Optus Sport: “To be honest, I think it’s in here. It’s the mentality.

“Arsenal, also they deserve (to win the league), they did an unbelievable season, but I think the difference was in here (points to head).

“When they came here, they faced us at the Etihad, I saw them and said: ‘Ah, these guys, they don’t want to beat us, they just want a draw.’

“And we caught them. At the end, if you give us one point, we will win the last seven, eight games even though it’s so tough. So I think it comes down to mentality.”