Arsenal suffered an injury blow that could have a major impact on their title race after losing the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
Arsenal’s wait for silverware continues after defeat in the final
Manchester City’s Rodri says the 2-0 win at Wembley on Sunday was the perfect way to bounce back from their Champions League exit by Real Madrid and that belief in their title challenge has been restored.
“It’s a lot, it’s a lot,” said the City midfielder when asked if the result could affect the title race. “That’s why I told you that it’s not just a game for this title, but to show that we can beat them.
“The Madrid game was very difficult but the team has recovered.
“We knew it was a very important game not only because of the cup but also because we had to face the best team in the league.”
City, with a game in hand, will face the Gunners again in a potentially crucial Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium on April 19.
They currently have just two games scheduled before then – the postponed game against Crystal Palace still needs to be rescheduled – while Arsenal will be playing four times.
Rodri said: “It is clear that we did not want to be out of the Champions League but we are out and now we have to take the good things, we have a lot of time to prepare for the games.
“There is still a lot to be done but that is something that we must look at – but we must also celebrate this.”
“Now we are going to rest, go back to the next round of international games and hope that we still have two more tournaments to fight for.”
Bad as Kepa: Arteta must drop Arsenal star 3/10 who lost 90% of duels
Arsenal lost the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
City needed to weather the early morning storm at Wembley but they dominated the contest and firmly controlled it with two quick succession Nico O’Reilly headers after an hour.
Rodri said: “I felt like they fell a little bit, we saw it and wanted to follow them.
“You can see when you have good players in the area and Nico O’Reilly has shown his ability again.”
Arsenal are dealing with an injury to William Saliba
Arsenal are already without captain Martin Ødegaard due to a long-term injury, while both Jurrien Timber and Eberechi Eze missed the cup final.
And Mikel Arteta has now been hit with another concern, as it emerged that William Saliba was injured in the final despite playing the full game.
The Frenchman was one of the few Gunners who managed to hold his nerve after Sunday, but has been withdrawn from the France squad due to ‘persistent pain in his left ankle’ which requires ‘immediate treatment’ and ‘at least’ ten days out of action, GOAL reports.
The extent of the damage is unknown at this stage, and Arteta will be hoping the situation hasn’t worsened by seeing the 24-year-old struggle through the 90 minutes.
“You have to take responsibility” – Redknapp slams “monumental” Arsenal vs Man City call
Arsenal are still waiting for the trophy…
