Fresh off a trophy at Wembley, Manchester City’s midfield anchor warns that the pressure is on the Gunners to navigate a high-stakes finale and avoid a late-season collapse.
Rodri has warned Arsenal that “everything can happen” as Manchester City continue to chase Mikel Arteta’s side in the Premier League title race.
City added another trophy to their season on Saturday by beating Chelsea 1-0 in the FA Cup final at Wembley, with Antoine Semenyo scoring the decisive goal. That followed their Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal earlier in the campaign, but the Premier League remains the major prize still to be decided.
Arsenal sit two points clear of City heading into Monday night’s meeting with Burnley at the Emirates Stadium. A win would move the Gunners five points ahead, albeit having played one game more.
City are back in league action against Bournemouth on Tuesday, knowing they still need Arsenal to drop points either against Burnley or in the final game of the season against Crystal Palace.
Speaking to Hayters at Wembley after the FA Cup final, Rodri insisted City are not giving up on the title.
“Everything can happen,” Rodri said.
“We need them to drop points, which could happen in the next game [against Burnley] or the last one [against Crystal Palace].
“If I was in their position, it's not easy to finish the task. We have to be there pushing until the end.”
For Arsenal, the title remains in their hands, but there is still work to do. Arteta’s side can put major pressure on City by beating Burnley, particularly with Guardiola’s side facing Bournemouth less than 24 hours later.
The final week of the season could still carry several moving parts. Arsenal have Burnley and Crystal Palace left to play, while City face Bournemouth before finishing against Aston Villa.
Rodri’s comments underline the mindset City will carry into the run-in. They know they need help, but they also know Arsenal still have to get over the line.
Arsenal already know they have a Champions League final to prepare for, but before then there is a Premier League title to secure from a leading position. Monday night is another test of whether Arteta’s side can turn control of the race into the finish they have worked all season to reach.