After weekend’s win over West Ham Manchester City became only the first side in English league history to lift four league titles in a row. Following the win City celebrated with their fans and the players had a lot say.
Man City midfielder Rodri was not shy to take a dig at Arsenal by questioning the mentality of the North London outfit. In an interview with Optus Sport Rodri said,
“Arsenal, also they deserve, they did an unbelievable season, but I think the difference was in here. 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 that mentality, I don’t think we would do it the same way .”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.“
The Spaniard also heaped praise on his manager Pep Guardiola by saying the Catalan’s hunger and determination has driven the Cityzens to a fourth title in a row.
Arsenal who led the points table for more than half of the season would rue their chances they missed against Aston Villa, the game which they eventually went on to lose 2-0. Arsenal would have pulled further clear from City when the two title contenders’ locked horns at the Etihad on March 31 but the game ended in stalemate.
Title Challengers Arsenal Collapse At End
On his North London return, Unai Emery once again got the better of Mikel Arteta, as he managed the Villans to a 2-0 win, ensuring a league double over the Gunners. Arteta understandably rotated his side due to the Champions League game against Bayern. Gunners, despite being exceptional in the first half, crumbled in the 2nd half and two late goals meant the three points were heading to Villa Park.
Arsenal despite coming short in their bid to win the Premier League title for the first time in ten years must take heart from the fact they ran City right till the end which in itself is an achievement to be proud of knowing the dominance Man City are showing in the English football.
New signing Declan Rice has been a brilliant addition to this young Arsenal side as he was the integral part in their midfield. Kai Havertz who was also recruited last summer scored 13 goals and 7 assists also proved his worth. Few new additions this summer would definitely put Gunners in contention for title new season.
In a season in which Jurgen Klopp announced his departure from Liverpool because he was “running out of energy”, Pep Guardiola was able to push Manchester City on to the Premier League title once again.
That relentless drive, that appetite, to take more from a team that had already achieved it all in winning the treble last season, Man City proved once again that the hunger of this team remains intact by winning yet another league title and this weekend they will have a chance for yet another double when they face Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
