Manchester City midfielder Rodri has sent a defiant message to Premier League leaders Arsenal, insisting there is "still a long way to go" in the championship battle after his side dropped more crucial points.
Injury-Time Heartbreak at the Etihad
The defending champions were held to a 1-1 draw by a manager-less Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, January 4, 2026. The result leaves Pep Guardiola's team six points behind title favourites Arsenal, compounding the frustration from a previous draw against Sunderland.
Tijjani Reijnders had given Manchester City a first-half lead, but a dramatic injury-time equaliser from Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez snatched a point for the visitors. The Blues were playing their first match since Enzo Maresca's departure, under the guidance of caretaker boss Calum McFarlan.
Rodri's Frustration and Defiance
"It's frustrating of course but at the end of the day it is what it is," Rodri stated after the final whistle. "We created enough chances to win the game three or four nil, but this is football. If you don't take your chances you just draw the game."
The Spanish international, who was making his return from a long injury layoff, emphasised the need for resilience. "There is still a long way and we just need to focus on the next games. We move on, we have the next game against Brighton at home and we have to win. We know that this season is going to be long so we have to keep going and going."
Rodri also analysed the team's performance, highlighting a drop in standard after the break. "First half was brilliant, enough to score three or four goals. In the second half we forgot a little bit how to play and they got control of the game."
Pundits Weigh In on Title Race Shift
The dropped points have led to significant discussion about the momentum in the title race. Former Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given believes the last week could prove pivotal.
"Man City dropping four points in the last two games is huge at this time of the season," Given said on BBC Radio 5 Live. "It's not been a great festive period for Manchester City... Their squad's quite stretched at the minute."
He also credited Chelsea's resolve, adding: "You've got to give credit to Chelsea's second half performance as they were so much better than they were in the first."
Meanwhile, Rodri's teammate Reijnders echoed the sentiment of persistence, stating: "We should keep going and we still have the confidence that we can turn it around. Next game is very important again."
For Rodri, personally, being back on the pitch was paramount. "For me it is a gift," he said of his return. "What I have been through has been terrible for me so winning, drawing, losing for me right now everything is a gift. To play, have the joy of the game and recover the smile, and the rest will come."
The focus now shifts to the next fixtures. Arsenal face defending champions Liverpool, while Manchester City must regroup for their clash with Brighton as the Premier League title race intensifies.
