來源：直播吧2024-09-22 18:27
The Athletic reports on Arsenal's mentality issues and references a statement made by Manchester City midfielder Rodri after last season's Premier League victory. Rodri believes the difference between City and Arsenal lies in their mentality: "When Arsenal came to the Etihad, I noticed that they didn't want to beat us, they just wanted a draw. We don't approach games with this mentality. You might give us one point, but we will win the last 7 or 8 matches, even if they are tough. I believe the difference is in the mentality."
In their top-of-the-table clash in late March, Arsenal remained deep in their own half, primarily looking for counter-attacking opportunities. This plan almost worked as Arsenal only had 27% possession and showed little attacking intent in the second half with only 6 shots and no clear-cut chances, compared to City's 12 shots and 7 clearances.
Before that game, Arsenal had won 8 straight Premier League matches and scored 33 goals. When they left Manchester with a draw, it felt like their mission was accomplished. If they had won the remaining 9 matches, they would have had a chance to win the title. However, the 0-0 draw against City left them with no margin for error, and two weeks later, they lost 0-2 at home to Aston Villa.
This week, when Arsenal visit the Etihad, their tactical approach seems inevitably similar to their meeting in March. As demonstrated in the match against Tottenham last weekend, Arsenal have enough defensive resilience to withstand prolonged pressure without crumbling.
This might earn Arsenal one point, which is generally considered a good result, and extend their unbeaten record against City to 4 matches. However, it cannot erase the fact that Arsenal's last away win against City was in January 2015. In the past, they suffered 8 consecutive defeats, with a goal difference of 22-4.
Arsenal always seems to be waiting for City to make mistakes rather than seizing the opportunity to take the crown by beating them. If Arsenal were to be bolder, they could have had a chance at the title in the 2015/16 season when they suffered a devastating 1-4 defeat by City away. In that game, Arsenal played openly and ended up being torn apart by City.
18 months later, Arsenal has strengthened their squad with players like La Real, White, Kalabatse, Lihaj, and Havers, making them a more formidable team capable of playing imaginative football. In the first half of last season, Arsenal defeated City 1-0 at home in October, showing their ability to showcase their true colors.
In the past, Rodri's remarks would have been pinned to the dressing room wall to provoke Arsenal players, making them feel that City was questioning their mentality and ambition. But will it be a factor that gives Arsenal an advantage in this match? Only time will tell.