Man Cityvs.Arsenal

The Gunners have established themselves as the Citizens' strongest challengers for the Premier League title in the last two seasons, but they came up short on both occasions.

Although Arsenal took an enthralling title race with Man City to the final day last season, Guardiola's men clinched an unprecedented fourth consecutive top-flight crown with a 3-1 victory over West Ham United in May.

Rodri rounded off the scoring in that triumph at the Etihad and controversially stated after the match that Arsenal lacked a superior "mentality" to get the better of Man City, criticising the Gunners for not wanting to beat them at the Etihad earlier in the season.

Arsenal picked up four points against Man City last season, winning 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium in October 2023 and sharing the spoils in a 0-0 draw at the Etihad in March.

Speaking to Optus Sport about the key factors behind Man City's title triumph, Rodri said: "To be honest, I think it's in here," pointing to his head. "It's the mentality.

Rodri critical of Arsenal's mentality last season

"Arsenal, also they deserve [to win the league], they did an unbelievable season, but I think the difference was in here [pointing to his head again].

"When they came here, they faced us at the Etihad, I saw them and said: 'Ah, these guys, they don't want to beat us, they just want a draw.' And that mentality, I don't think we would do it the same way.

"And we caught them. At the end, if you give us one point, we will win the last seven, eight games even though it's so tough. So I think it comes down to mentality."

Rodri's comments on Arsenal were brought up in Guardiola's pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's showdown between Man City and Arsenal at the Etihad.

Asked if he agrees with Rodri's sentiment, Guardiola briefly replied: "Nope. Nuh-uh. [Arsenal grew that mentality] not now, but four years ago."

Guardiola has heaped praise on his former Man City assistant and current Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta for transforming the Gunners into a genuine title contender and the Citizens' "biggest rivals" in the Premier League.

Guardiola: 'Arsenal are a complete team'

The Catalan coach does not believe that the destination of the 2024-25 Premier League title will be decided this weekend, but he is expecting a difficult contest against a defensively strong Arsenal outfit.

"Always been a tight game in the last years because they are good but we are good too," Guardiola told reporters. "In many things, high pressing, transition, they are a complete team.

"That's why they have been our biggest rivals in last two seasons. Early stage of the season so nothing more than mood and influence for next games.

"In terms of table, it's not so important. What will be important is when we go to London in the second part of the season.

"It's not a motivation that we have to win to be five points ahead after five fixtures! It's to do a good game."

Arsenal travel to the Etihad boasting an exceptional unbeaten away record in 2024, winning 10 and drawing one of their 11 Premier League games on the road, scoring 31 goals, conceding three and keeping nine clean sheets in the process - they have failed to win any of their last nine league visits to the Etihad, though.

The Gunners currently sit second in the Premier League table with 10 points from four matches, two points behind leaders Man City, who have won each of their opening four top-flight matches by an aggregate score of 11-3.