Ex-Chelsea Star Defends Arsenal & Calls Rodri ‘Entitled’ for Questioning Mikel Arteta’s Side’s Mentality After Man City’s PL Win

Fine margins decided the Premier League title race as Manchester City beat Arsenal by 2 points. As per influential midfielder Rodri, one of those fine margins was Arsenal’s performance at the Etihad. Speaking of the same, the Spaniard said, “They didn’t want to beat us.” This was a game where the Gooners had just 27% possession. The Spaniard added that this mentality is unseen in Pep Guardiola’s side and hinted it as the difference between the two sides. But a former Chelsea star disagrees and believes not the Etihad match but the ‘games around‘ it cost Arsenal.

On the talk SPORT show, former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy shares his take on Rodri’s comments. The pundit added, ” said, “They may have felt Arsenal have come here celebrating the draw. A draw is not a bad result ever away at City.” Cundy believes that it was not Arteta’s defensive strategy at Etihad that proved a problem. He explained, “It’s the games around it that let them down.” Notably, the Aston Villa game hurt the Gooners as they were beaten 2-0 by Unai Emery’s side.

But, Cundy more than respected Rodri’s opinion. He said that Rodri and his team have been in a similar position 3, or 4 times previously and managed to get over the line. The pundit said, “I understand what he’s saying he’s absolutely entitled to say it.” While not everyone agrees with Rodri’s comments, there are no doubts over his contribution to winning the Premier League.

Rodri: Far more than a normal defensive midfielder

Eyebrows were raised when Rodri was heralded as the League’s most important player in December. As the season progressed, the Spaniard shifted gears and proved to be the best at what he does. While initially signed as a defensive midfielder, Rodri’s game has seen a significant evolution. This season, the Spanish international has 9 goals and 14 assists in total! To put it into context, actual wingers like Doku and Grealish have fewer goals.

Rodri’s season is particularly crucial considering how Manchester City were without Kevin De Bruyne for large parts. Another senior midfielder İlkay Gündoğan also left the club last season, and hence the Sky Blues had a less experienced team this season. Fortunately for Pep Guardiola, Rodri stepped up massively and delivered his best season at the Etihad. It is worth noting that the Spaniard was injured ahead of the Real Madrid tie. Had the midfielder been in full fitness, perhaps Manchester City might have still been in the running for another treble!