Arsenal have seen their title challenge fall apart after a disastrous run of form, and Manchester City star Rodri has now given his verdict on the Gunners’ title chances.
Manchester City came from behind to beat Newcastle 3-2, in a result which saw them go three points ahead of Arsenal with a much superior goal difference.
Arsenal have lost their last two Premier League games in a row, with back-to-back losses against West Ham and Fulham derailing the team, and Mikel Arteta has a huge task on his hands as he needs to instil some confidence into his out-of-form side.
Rodri has now claimed that whilst Arsenal are not fully out of the title race yet, they are no longer seen as Man City’s biggest threats to stop them winning their fourth Premier League in a row.
Rodri gives Arsenal title verdict after poor run of form
Speaking on Manchester City’s official YouTube channel, Rodri was asked about who could challenge for the title this season, and he named Liverpool as the biggest possible threat to the Champions, despite also praising Arsenal.
“If you ask me, our real contenders are Liverpool because they have the experience of winning in the last years,” he stated.
“Arsenal showed the level last year they can do and this year they have the experience they didn’t have last time.
“[Aston] Villa, you can see how big they are coming now and the personality and ambition with which they play.
“It’s not easy if you are there for the first time to sustain this, but you never know.”
Have Arsenal thrown away their title challenge?
Arsenal have several injuries within the squad, and even more players are currently miles away from their best form.
They are currently five points behind Liverpool and three behind Manchester City. Whilst this is not the biggest gap, the other two teams are well in form, with Kevin De Bruyne also making a heroic comeback for City against Newcastle.
Both the other sides have consistently challenged each other for the title in the last few seasons, with Arsenal emerging as a surprise contender last season.
The two losses against West Ham and Fulham highlighted Arsenal’s need for defensive depth and a goalscorer, but financial fair play limitations means January recruitments are unlikely.
It is tough to see Arsenal dramatically turning their form around to go on a winning run to stay competitive with the top two this season, and given the near-miss last year as well as a summer of heavy spending, fans have been frustrated at what has been an underwhelming campaign in a year where the expectation was to launch a sustained challenge.
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