Rodri has questioned Arsenal’s mentality during the Premier League title race after celebrating the league title with Manchester City.
The Spanish midfielder scored as Manchester City beat West Ham 3-1 on the final weekend to confirm a record-breaking fourth Premier League title in a row.
Arsenal were the nearest challengers to the Citizens for the second straight season and finished two points behind Pep Guardiola’s side.
The North Londoners appeared favourites after a goalless draw between the title rivals in March, but a run of nine consecutive league wins saw City crowned champions again.
Rodri questioned the mentality of Arsenal during that drawn contest, citing a lack of ambition to win the game and put distance between the teams, and believes City’s experience in the title run-in proved decisive.
“I think, to be honest, it’s in here (points to head),” he said to Sky Sports.
“It’s about mentality. Great players are all over the league, all over the clubs, Arsenal also, they did an unbelievable season. But I think the difference was in here (mentality).
“When they came here to face us in the Etihad, they didn’t want to beat us. They just wanted a draw, you know? That mentality, we wouldn’t do it the same way and we catch them. If you give us one point, we will win the seven, eight last games, even given how tough it is, so I think it stems from mentality.”
Asked if City believed they would win the title after drawing with Arsenal, he added: “We believe. You believe because you did it (before) but you know how tough it is.
“The Tottenham game, we had never won there, so it’s not easy to play like this. But every season, the manager and players find a way to do it. Even myself, comparing my first season and now, you grow a lot.
