Manchester City midfielder Rodri insists the Premier League title race remains far from finished and has warned Arsenal that completing the job is often harder than reaching the position they currently occupy.
City strengthened morale on Saturday by lifting the FA Cup after a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Wembley, adding a second domestic trophy to their season following earlier League Cup success.
However, despite another major title arriving at the Etihad, attention quickly shifted back toward the Premier League race where Arsenal currently remain in control.
The Gunners sit two points above Manchester City heading into the final stages of the campaign and can increase that lead further with victory against Burnley.
Yet Rodri believes pressure naturally changes once a team approaches the finish line.
Rodri believes Arsenal still have work to do
Speaking after City’s FA Cup triumph, the Spain international insisted his side remain fully committed despite relying on Arsenal to slip up.
“We need them to drop points, which could happen in the next game or the last one.”
Rodri also suggested closing out titles creates a different type of challenge.
“If I was in their position, it’s not easy to finish the task. We have to be there pushing until the end.”
The midfielder highlighted Manchester City’s own experiences in previous title races as evidence that dramatic turns remain possible.
“Everything can happen in football.”
Manchester City drawing on previous experience
Having followed Manchester City throughout recent seasons, one of the defining characteristics of Guardiola’s teams has consistently been their ability to remain calm under pressure.
Even when facing difficult situations, the squad rarely appears to abandon belief.
Rodri referenced City’s own title-winning comeback against Aston Villa in 2022 as an example of how quickly momentum can change during decisive moments.
| Premier League title race | Current position |
|---|---|
| Arsenal | 1st |
| Manchester City | 2nd (-2 points) |
| Games remaining for Arsenal | 2 |
| Games remaining for Manchester City | 2 |
source: Premier League standings – 16 May 2026
City now prepare for a difficult fixture against Bournemouth knowing they may once again be chasing rather than leading.
Arsenal still hold the advantage
Despite Rodri’s comments, Arsenal remain in the stronger position mathematically.
Mikel Arteta’s side can move five points clear with victory over Burnley before Manchester City play their next league fixture.
From the closing weeks of Arsenal’s campaign, the team have looked increasingly comfortable handling pressure situations compared to previous seasons.
However, it remains true that title races often become unpredictable during the final days.
The psychological challenge changes once a team knows success is within touching distance.
That appears to be the point Rodri was attempting to make.
Manchester City know they cannot control Arsenal’s results.
But they also know their own recent history provides enough evidence not to give up belief yet.
Key Points
- Rodri believes Arsenal still face pressure to finish the title race strongly
- Manchester City defeated Chelsea to win the FA Cup
- Arsenal currently sit two points ahead of City
- City still need Arsenal to drop points
- Rodri pointed to previous dramatic title races as motivation
What’s next
Arsenal host Burnley before Manchester City travel to Bournemouth in two fixtures that could heavily influence the destination of the title.
If Arsenal continue winning, the pressure immediately shifts back onto Guardiola’s side.
Can Manchester City produce another late title twist or will Arsenal finally end their long wait for Premier League glory?
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