Manchester City midfielder Rodri has sent a strong warning to Arsenal ahead of the final two games of the Premier League season, insisting that the title race is far from over despite the Gunners holding the advantage.
Speaking after Manchester City’s FA Cup victory, the Spanish international admitted that City still believe Arsenal could drop points under the pressure of trying to finish the job. Rodri explained that closing out a title race is one of the hardest tasks in football and reminded fans how quickly situations can change during the final weeks of a season.
City are once again chasing Arsenal in the race for the Premier League crown, and although Mikel Arteta’s side remain favourites, Rodri made it clear that Pep Guardiola’s players are refusing to give up hope.
“We still have two games to play,” Rodri said after the FA Cup triumph.
“They’re massive, and they’re very tough and very long. Everything can happen. We just need them to drop points.”
The midfielder also admitted that if he were in Arsenal’s position, he would understand exactly how difficult the pressure can become.
“It can happen in the next one or in the last game. If I were in their position, it’s not easy to finish the task, and we have to be there pushing until the end.”
Rodri Recalls Aston Villa Miracle
Rodri used Manchester City’s unforgettable comeback against Aston Villa in 2022 as proof that title races can change in just a few minutes.
City were trailing Aston Villa late in the final game of the season before scoring three goals in a dramatic comeback to snatch the title from Liverpool. That experience has convinced Rodri that no team can feel safe until the very end.
“From our experience, we were losing the title against Aston Villa at home in the 80th minute. So everything can happen in football,” he explained.
“We know how difficult it is to close the season in that position, and we know how difficult it is to beat every opponent in the Premier League.”
Those comments will certainly attract attention among Arsenal supporters, especially with the pressure growing as the campaign reaches its conclusion.
Arsenal’s Final Two Fixtures
Arsenal’s remaining matches appear favourable on paper, but football supporters know that title races are rarely straightforward.
The Gunners first face Burnley, who have already been relegated from the Premier League. Many fans expect Arsenal to secure all three points comfortably, but relegated teams can often become dangerous because they play without pressure.
Burnley will want to restore pride after a disappointing campaign, and matches against title contenders often motivate struggling sides to produce unexpected performances. Arsenal will also understand that any mistake at this stage could completely change the direction of the title race.
After Burnley, Arsenal travel to Crystal Palace for what could become a tense and emotional final-day clash.
Palace may rotate some players ahead of their Europa Conference League final, but Selhurst Park remains one of the most difficult away grounds in English football. The atmosphere alone can create huge pressure for visiting teams, particularly when the stakes are so high.
Why Rodri Believes Arsenal Can Still Slip
Rodri’s comments were not simply mind games. Manchester City’s squad has enormous experience in high-pressure title races, and the Spanish midfielder understands better than most how mentally exhausting the final weeks of a campaign can become.
Arsenal have been outstanding this season, showing maturity, consistency, and resilience throughout the year. Players like Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Declan Rice have all stepped up during crucial moments.
However, winning the Premier League requires more than quality alone. Mental strength often becomes the deciding factor during the final stretch.
The pressure increases with every game because players know one mistake could cost them an entire season’s work. A missed chance, defensive error, or nervous start can suddenly shift momentum.
Manchester City’s relentless form also adds extra pressure. Guardiola’s side have built a reputation for winning every remaining match when titles are on the line. Arsenal know that if they slip even once, City are ready to punish them immediately.
Rodri’s calm confidence reflects the mentality that has helped Manchester City dominate English football over recent years.
Burnley Could Cause Problems
Although Burnley sit in the relegation zone, Arsenal cannot afford complacency.
Teams that are already relegated sometimes perform with more freedom because they no longer have anything to lose. Burnley could choose to defend deep, frustrate Arsenal, and attempt to create pressure inside the stadium.
If Arsenal fail to score early, nerves could quickly spread among players and fans alike. The tension of a title race often makes matches feel more difficult than expected.
Set pieces may also become important. Burnley have traditionally relied on physicality and aerial strength, which can trouble even the strongest sides under pressure.
Arsenal will likely dominate possession, but they must remain patient and avoid giving Burnley confidence as the match progresses.
Crystal Palace Away Could Be the Biggest Test
The trip to Crystal Palace may ultimately become Arsenal’s toughest challenge of the season.
Selhurst Park is known for its intense atmosphere, and Palace supporters would love the opportunity to disrupt Arsenal’s title hopes. Even if Palace rotate ahead of a European final, squad players will still be highly motivated to impress.
Final-day fixtures often become unpredictable because emotions take over. Arsenal’s players will need to control their nerves and remain focused regardless of what is happening elsewhere.
If Manchester City continue winning their own matches, the pressure on Arsenal during that Palace game could become enormous.
Arsenal Still Hold the Advantage
Despite Rodri’s warning, Arsenal remain in a strong position to secure the Premier League title.
Arteta’s side have consistently delivered throughout the campaign and have shown far more composure compared to previous seasons. Their attacking football, defensive organization, and squad depth have made them one of Europe’s strongest teams this year.
Still, Rodri’s comments highlight an important truth about football: nothing is guaranteed until the final whistle.
Manchester City will continue pushing Arsenal until the very end, hoping that pressure eventually causes the Gunners to stumble. Arsenal fans, meanwhile, will hope this squad has finally developed the mentality needed to survive the tension of a title race.
One thing is certain — the Premier League title battle is not over yet, and the drama could continue right until the final day of the season.
