‘They don’t want to beat us’: Rodri takes dig at Arsenal for conceding Premier League title

Manchester City midfielder hastaken a digat Arsenal's 'mentality' after the Gunners lost the Premier League (PL) title by two points on Sunday (May 19). City won their fourth consecutive PL trophy with a 3-1 win over West Ham UnitedwhileArsenal had to contend with a second-place finish after a hard-fought 2-1 win against Everton at the Emirates Stadium.

Speaking afterthe match, Rodri pointed out that when Arsenal came knocking at Etihad, they played for a draw,which eventually costthem the title.

"To be honest, I think it's in here [points at his brain]. It's the mentality.[There are] great players all over the league, all overthe clubs.Arsenal also deserve [to win],they did an unbelievable season, but I think the difference was in here [points to his head again]," said Rodri.

"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," he added.

Man City's sixth title

A win at the time would have giventhe necessary cushion toMikel Arteta's men to push for the title.However, the Gunners playedanultra-defensivegameby setting up a low block. While the decision was pragmatic, itcertainlydidn't age well as City went on another marauding, unbeatenrun.

"And we caught them. In the end, if you give us one point, we will win the lastseven,or eight games even though it'ssotough. So I think [the title win] comes down to mentality," said Rodri.

It was Man City's sixth title in the last seven years, showcasing the domination Pep Guardiola had conjured up during his time in England. The Spanish manager won a historic treble last year andwould now be hopingto do the domestic double by winning the FA Cup final against cross-city rivals, Manchester United, on May 25.

While Guardiola has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest managers to ever grace the sport, the legitimacy of his titles has been shrouded in controversy with the 115 charges looming large over the club. A court hearing is scheduled for later this year with the verdict expected to come out next year.

(With inputs from agencies)