In the match at the Etihad last season, Manchester City and Arsenal drew 0-0. After this draw, the "Gunners" still kept a 1-point gap with The Citizens but were 2 points behind the top team Liverpool.
In the end, Arsenal lost the title to Man City by two points. And Rodri felt the Gunners' decision to accept a point at the Etihad cost them. Previously, many had argued that Arsenal had to beat Man City to be worthy champions.
"To be honest, I think it's there. It's the mentality. When Arsenal came here, they played us at the Etihad, I looked at them and thought they didn't want to beat us. They just wanted a draw. And with that mentality, I don't think we'll do it the same way," the Spanish midfielder said when Man City won the Premier League last season.
Those thoughts are echoed when the two teams meet at the Etihad this season. Although it is only round 6, this match could decide the season.
In their last meeting at the Etihad in March, Man City had more possession but Arsenal defended solidly, with Pep Guardiola's side only managing one shot on target in the entire game.
The Gunners followed a similar plan when they visited Tottenham in the previous round. Arteta's team gave their opponents control, put their faith in their defense and waited patiently for their chance. And Gabriel's "golden" goal from a corner kick helped The Gunners get 3 points.
Some have argued that Arsenal have been preparing perfectly for the big clash with Man City. In fact, the Gunners have been playing so tenaciously for months. They have not lost a single minute of Premier League away games in 2024, winning nine of their 10. Their only upset in that time was a 0-0 draw with Man City.
One reason Arsenal are so effective away from home is the solidity of their centre-backs, who don't leave the opposition much space near their own penalty area.
Since the start of last season, only Crystal Palace and Sheffield United have done better than Arsenal in this regard. However, both teams are in the bottom half, while the Gunners are competing for the title. This shows that Arteta has changed his style from dominating to focusing on upgrading the defense.
Overall, Arteta has transformed Arsenal from a team that went 29 games without a win away from home against the 'Big Six' to a team that hasn't lost a single game since the start of last season. Changing tactics in these games, especially in the absence of captain Martin Odegaard - one of Arsenal's best pressers - would be a bold move by Arteta.
However, looking at Man City's recent home form, Arsenal fans will not be so optimistic. Their last defeat at the Etihad was in November 2022. Meanwhile, Arsenal's last home win against Man City was in 2015.
