Manchester City midfielder Rodri has fired Arsenal a ‘very important’ warning ahead of their crucial encounter in the 2023/24 Premier League title race at Etihad Stadium.
Two of the top three teams in the country meet on Sunday as leaders Arsenal travel to third-place Manchester City. Just one point currently splits the title rivals with Liverpool also sat in second place. The Reds only trail the Gunners on goal difference ahead of meeting Brighton.
Arsenal lead the table after 28 matches with 64 from a potential 84 points so far this season. The Emirates Stadium natives also boast the best offence with 70 goals scored plus the best defence with 24 conceded. It gives Mikel Arteta’s team the best goal difference, too, at +46.
Arsenal have not won at Manchester City since January 2015
But while Arsenal are on an eight-game winning streak in the Premier League, they have not won at Manchester City since January 2015. October’s 1-0 win in north London was also the Gunners’ first win against the Citizens across 16 top-flight encounters since December 2015.
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Manchester City further won their previous 12 league matches with Arsenal prior to Gabriel Martinelli’s late deflected goal this season. Now, Arteta must end their nine-year wait if the Emirates Stadium outfit are to remain at the top of the top-flight table beyond this Sunday.
Rodri feels the Citizens can deal Arsenal a ‘very important’ blow
Spain international Rodri hopes Manchester City can once again secure the win at home to Arsenal this weekend. The midfielder believes Pep Guardiola’s side almost have to win each remaining fixture to become the first Premier League squad to win four titles in succession.
Rodri also feels Manchester City beating Arsenal this Sunday could prove ‘very important’ as it will deal the Gunners a mental blow. Even though Arteta’s team responded to losing 4-1 at the Citizens last April by beating Chelsea 3-1 and Newcastle United 2-0 in their next fixtures.
“It’s a very, very important match,” Rodri said, via the Independent. “I’m not saying it’s going to be decisive but it will be very important for the mental fight. If we are able to beat them, it will be very important for our confidence – and we will show them that we are here again.
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“It’s not just this game that’s like a final, it’s all of them from now until the end of the season. We’re still in every competition but any game that you lose can practically leave you out of the running.
“Really, that’s the level that this league demands from you, to reach between 90 and 100 points to be able to win the league. So, we have to win practically every game and that starts against Arsenal, who are currently the league leaders.”
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