Rodri’s “Mentality” Warning Echoes as Arsenal Drop Points at Brentford
The word “mentality” has resurfaced around Arsenal’s title challenge.
Thursday’s 1-1 draw at Brentford did not cost Mikel Arteta’s side their place at the top of the Premier League table. They remain four points clear. But as players left the pitch at the Gtech Community Stadium some applauding the away support, others staring ahead in frustration an old comment from Manchester City midfielder Rodri began circulating again online.
Arsenal had looked composed for much of the evening. Noni Madueke put the visitors ahead shortly after the hour mark, capping a spell of controlled possession that briefly silenced the home crowd.
The control slipped.
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Keane Lewis-Potter equalized 10 minutes later with a powerful finish that gave the goalkeeper little chance. Brentford nearly completed the turnaround in stoppage time when Igor Thiago credited with 17 league goals this season sent his effort wide. Arsenal left with a point, but not much comfort.
Rice Urges Perspective
Declan Rice struck a calm tone in his post-match interview with beIN Sports.
“If you can’t win a game, don’t lose,” he said.
The midfielder acknowledged the strain of a tight title race but emphasized the bigger picture: “We’re still four points clear at the top and we’ve got to keep looking forward. It’s been a rollercoaster of a season. If anyone thinks it’s going to be easy going for the title, they’re naive. This is the best league in the world.”
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Clips of Rice’s remarks quickly circulated on social media, where some supporters and rival fans alike pointed back to comments made by Rodri during a previous title run-in.
Rodri’s Take on the Difference
When Manchester City secured the 2023–24 Premier League title finishing two points ahead of Arsenal with 91 Rodri suggested the gap between the sides came down to mindset.
Speaking in a live television interview after the title was confirmed, he said: “To be honest, I think it’s in here,” pointing to his head. “It’s the mentality.”
Rodri praised Arsenal’s campaign but argued that when they faced City at the Etihad late that season, they appeared to be protecting a draw rather than pushing to win. City, he added, would not approach the moment the same way and once given even a small opening, his side would “win the last seven, eight games even though it’s so tough.”
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His assessment sparked debate at the time. It has resurfaced now because of how often title races hinge on narrow margins and late-season composure.
The Pressure of the Run-In
Arsenal have shown resilience throughout this campaign and remain in control of their position at the top. A February draw away from home does not define a season.
Still, as history has shown, the Premier League title is often decided not only by quality but by how teams respond when the pressure intensifies. With another tight race unfolding, questions about experience, belief and mentality are likely to follow Arsenal for the remainder of the run-in.
Sources: beIN Sports; Premier League records; archived post-match broadcast interviews.
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