Arsenal’s mentality lost them the Premier League title to Manchester City

Rodri believes Manchester City beat Arsenal to another Premier League title due to their superior mentality.

City became the first team to win four consecutive titles on Sunday, seeing off West Ham to finish two points above the Gunners.

The Spanish midfielder, who scored the third goal in a 3-1 win, said the Gunners settling for a point in a goalless draw at the Etihad was the reason Mikel Arteta’s men missed out on becoming champions.

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Asked what separated the two sides in 2023-24, Rodri said: “To be honest, I think it’s in here [pointing to his head]. It’s the mentality.

“Arsenal, also they deserve [to win the league], they did an unbelievable season, but I think the difference was in here [pointing to his head again].

“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 claims come despite City failing to beat Arsenal across three encounters this season, while they also were winless against fellow challengers Liverpool.

Arsenal had been leading for much of the run-in but a 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa in April – their only league loss of 2024 – proved costly.

‘You all believe in us now’

After falling short to City for the second consecutive campaign, Arteta says he is proud of the club’s progress during his tenure.

“I think we’re all a little bit disappointed,” Arteta said to fans on the Emirates Stadium pitch.

“We’ve been fighting so long for the big dream. We were so close. I’m so proud of the boys, so proud of the team, the fans. I’m so proud of the progress we are making.

“We’ve changed the club and I think you all believe in us now.”