Manchester City star Rodri has commented on the competitiveness of the Premier League ahead of the new season, claiming the title race will involve more than just two teams this time around.
In the matchday programme for the Community Shield clash between Manchester City and Liverpool on Saturday, Rodri was full of praise for the way Spurs and Arsenal have recruited this summer (31/07/22 – via Liverpool Echo).
Spurs have added six quality signings to their squad already to provide more strength in depth. It is hoped there will be more new arrivals for Spurs before the window shuts, too, with a creative midfielder top of Antonio Conte’s shopping list (Evening Standard).
Similarly, North London rivals Arsenal have recruited shrewdly, adding proven Premier League stars in the form of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Last season’s title charge was very much a two-horse race, with an 18-point gap separating second-placed Liverpool and third-placed Chelsea (PremierLeague.com). However, Rodri does not believe that will be the case this season though.
He said: “The quality and standard of both teams [Man City and Liverpool] is unbelievable. You cannot make one mistake when you are fighting for titles against them. It will be the same next season, I am sure.
“Not just Liverpool, but Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal, (Manchester) United.
“We just have to focus on ourselves as always, focus on each game and we will see if we can make it three Premier League titles in a row. They’re a top team and have great players in every position, like us.
“They’re [Liverpool] so demanding. They’re a top team and have great players in every position, like us. It’s so intense, whether it’s at the Etihad, Anfield, Wembley or any other stadium. The level is so high.”
Rodri added: “Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United and many other teams have signed top players this summer.
“As we always say, we will always just focus on ourselves and try to be the best we can be. I don’t worry about that too much.
“I always trust our club to make the best signings to improve the team and I think they’ve done that again this season.”
Spurs Web Opinion
City and Liverpool were head and shoulders above the rest of the league last season, so it won’t be easy to close that gap on them. That task is made especially difficult when you consider the fact both teams have added big-money strikers to their rosters.
However, let’s not forget Spurs did the double over City last season and held Liverpool to a draw in both league meetings. If Spurs can just be more ruthless against the teams outside the big six, there’s every chance they can make the title race a far more interesting one this year.
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