11 February 2023 , 08:31
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Rodri admits it will be "impossible" for Manchester City to catch Arsenal if they keep up with their relentless form.
The Gunners have established a commanding lead at the top of the Premier League, winning 16 of their 20 games so far this term. City have been their closest challengers for much of the season, but their inconsistencies haven't allowed them to close the gap.
Arsenal lost for just the second time this season when they went down to Sean Dyche's Burnley last weekend, but City failed to respond as they lost at Tottenham. A win would've reduced the gap to two points, albeit City would've played a game more, but the loss keeps the north Londoners firmly in control.
Pep Guardiola's side are eyeing a third successive league title but have already lost four times this season - more than they did last term - and their Spanish midfielder is realistic about their chances. He told DAZN: “Every year it’s more complicated, the level of this league is tremendous and you have to win it with almost 90-odd points.
“We are calm, we know that there is a lot left and we are going in the right direction (…) It is true that Arsenal have had an impressive first half of the season. Obviously, if they maintain that level and are capable of doing the same in the second half, it will be impossible.”
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Guardiola himself looked to surrender the title after the recent derby day defeat at Old Trafford, despite it still being mid-January, stating: “I don’t care about the Premier League or the Carabao Cup, we cannot win. We have won a lot so it is not a problem."
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Arsenal have established a commanding lead at the top of the table (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Arsenal and City still have to play each other twice after their game earlier this season was postponed. That presents the champions with the chance to take six points off the side who are looking to take their crown with plenty of football still to be played.
Guardiola's side secured a 1-0 FA Cup victory over Arsenal recently but the Catalan is expecting to face a different side when they square off in the league this month. He said after that win: “I am pretty sure both teams are going to adjust something. I have the feeling now they are going to do something differently.”
Arsenal have not won a league title since their Invincible season in 2004 and few, if any, tipped them to be a threat this term but Mikel Arteta's outfit have surprised many with their dominant displays so far.