Wayne Rooney reveals why Pep Guardiola was playing ‘mind games’ with Arsenal in scenes after win vs Newcastle
Pep Guardiola was seen celebrating enthusiastically with the home fans after Man City beat Newcastle United on Saturday.
Nico O’Reilly’s double saw the Citizens close the gap at the top of the Premier League to just two points, after Arsenal drew with Wolves in midweek.
Lewis Hall had found an equaliser for Newcastle in the first half, but Guardiola‘s side pushed on and eventually saw out three points at the Etihad Stadium.
Man City have now won five consecutive games across all competitions, and look to have hit their stride ahead of the run-in.
Arsenal, on the other hand, have looked incredibly shaky, and will face a massive test in the North London derby on Sunday.
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Wayne Rooney says Pep Guardiola sent Arsenal message
The past few weeks have seen the Premier League title race turn almost completely on its head.
For around 10 minutes at the start of the month, Liverpool were beating Man City at Anfield, and Arsenal were nine points clear at the top of the table.
Goals from Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland saw the Citizens complete a miraculous comeback that day, and they have not stopped since.
| Man City | Match stats | Newcastle United |
| 55% | Possession | 45% |
| 15 | Shots | 13 |
| 7 | Shots on target | 7 |
| 1.35 | Expected goals (xG) | 0.58 |
| 5 | Corners | 5 |
Guardiola’s side have had easier fixtures, to be sure, but they have continued to get the job done and claim three points while Arsenal have faltered.
The Gunners were held by Brentford, and appeared to completely collapse on Wednesday when they gave up a two-goal lead to draw at Wolves.
Their response on Sunday against Tottenham will be absolutely key, with anything other than three points allowing Man City the chance to take the lead and gain full control.
After Saturday’s win, Guardiola was seen grinning and pumping his fists in the air towards the home fans.
“That’s mind games as well from Pep,” Wayne Rooney told BBC Match of the Day on Saturday. “Without actually saying anything, that’s Pep telling Arsenal they’re up for this fight and they’re ready to take this fight on with Arsenal.
“Arsenal will be sitting there, because that was a tough game today against Newcastle but it’s a fantastic win.”
Arsenal face crunch time
Arsenal, more than most teams, have been burned by going into a run-in for the Premier League title while neck and neck with Man City.
In so many seasons, Guardiola’s side have won game after game to end the season, proving a relentless winning machine that is extremely difficult to keep up with.
In recent weeks, Arsenal have not shown any inkling of an ability to keep up, although it is not yet too late.
This version of Man City has not exactly looked impenetrable this season, and should Arsenal return to some consistent form, they could place the pressure right back on their competitors.