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Manchester City midfielder Rodri has declined to write off Arsenal in the Premier League title race, cautioning that "everything can happen" even with the season nearing its conclusion.
Both clubs have just two fixtures remaining, with Arsenal welcoming Burnley on Monday evening and City traveling to Bournemouth on Tuesday. The season's final day on Sunday, May 24 then features Arsenal away at Crystal Palace and City hosting Aston Villa.
The current margin separating the two sides is two points, after City squandered a potential lead by drawing with Everton earlier this month. Arsenal hold the upper hand in the title race and will be crowned champions for the first time in 22 years provided they at least mirror City's results.
Rodri claims City received a "confidence boost" from their FA Cup victory at the weekend, completing a domestic cup double for the second time.
"We don't lose our calm, still two games to play, they are massive and very, very tough," the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner told Hayters.
"Everything can happen. We need [Arsenal] to drop points, which could happen in the next game or the last one. If I was in their position, it's not easy to finish the task. We have to be there pushing until the end."
Man City Nearly Fumbled 2021–22 Title Race
Rodri's remarks draw on City's title win in 2021–22, when Pep Guardiola's side pipped Liverpool by a single point — though it was a triumph they nearly let slip. The defending champions dropped points in a 2–2 draw with West Ham United in the penultimate fixture, with Riyad Mahrez missing a late penalty that could have all but sealed the title barring a dramatic goal difference swing.
City still controlled their own fate heading into the final match, needing only to match Liverpool's result. Yet they found themselves two goals down against Aston Villa before netting three times in the closing 15 minutes to secure the win, the points, and ultimately the championship.
"From our experience we were losing the title against Aston Villa at our home," Rodri continued. "So everything can happen in football. We know how difficult it is to close things and we know how difficult it is to beat everyone in this Premier League."
When Can Arsenal, Man City Win the Premier League Title?
Manchester City currently sit two points adrift and therefore cannot clinch the title before the final day of the season, even if Arsenal stumble on Monday night and City overtake them 24 hours later.
For City to claim the trophy, Arsenal must take no more than four points from their remaining games — a scenario that also requires Guardiola's men to win both of their outstanding fixtures. Even in that case, the sides would be level on 83 points and goal difference would be the deciding factor, with City currently ahead by one. Should Arsenal lose to either Burnley or Crystal Palace, the door would open considerably wider for City.
If Arsenal defeat Burnley, they would hold a five-point advantage before City kick off. That could prove decisive if the reigning champions then fail to beat Bournemouth on Tuesday, as the Gunners would enter the final day with the title already secured.