Midfielder Admits Frustration After Chelsea Stunner but Insists “There is Still a Long Way” to Catch Arsenal
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has delivered a rallying cry to his teammates, insisting the Premier League title race is far from over despite falling six points behind leaders Arsenal after a gut-wrenching draw with Chelsea.
The champions were held 1-1 at the Etihad on Sunday after Enzo Fernández struck a 94th-minute equalizer, capping a festive period that saw City drop four crucial points. The result leaves them looking up at an Arsenal side that continues to win relentlessly.
“It’s frustrating, of course,” a candid Rodri admitted after the match. “We created enough chances to win the game three or four nil, but this is football. There is still a long way, and we just need to focus on the next games.”
The Spanish international, who recently returned from a three-month injury layoff, highlighted City’s failure to kill the game despite a dominant first half. He also acknowledged the disruptive impact of injuries, with defenders Rúben Dias and Josko Gvardiol both forced off during the match.
“It unbalances the team every single time a player goes out, but of course the team has to adjust,” Rodri said. “It is not an excuse.”
Beyond the title race, Rodri reflected on a personal triumph just being back on the pitch after a serious hamstring injury. “For me, it is a gift,” he said, his perspective shaped by his time on the sidelines. “To play, have the joy of the game and recover the smile… Right now it’s about staying fit and enjoying football.”
Former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given emphasized the significance of City’s recent stumbles. “Man City dropping four points in the last two games is huge at this time of the season,” Given told BBC Radio 5 Live. “It’s not been a great festive period for Manchester City.”
With a home game against Brighton on Wednesday, City have an immediate chance to respond. Rodri’s message was clear: the challenge is immense, but the fight is not over. “We have to keep going and going,” he insisted, ready to lead the pursuit of a chasing pack that now has serious ground to make up.
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