Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney believes Arsenal need to focus on themselves after Manchester City’s 2-1 Premier League victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola’s side returned to winning ways in the league in dramatic fashion. They trailed 1-0 after Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick, but made a sublime comeback.
Bernardo Silva equalised for the Cityzens in the 84th minute before an Erling Haaland penalty sealed the win in stoppage time.
As a result, Arsenal’s lead at the top of the league standings over Man City has been cut short to six points with 13 games left.
Speaking after City’s comeback win at Anfield, Rooney said that Arsenal just need to focus on themselves and get their job done.
He told BBC Sport: “It’s an important one for Manchester City today. It’s a tough place to go Anfield.
“I thought Liverpool were really good second half, City were really good first half – then City have gone a goal down and dug in to get the three points.
“Arsenal can only focus on themselves. I’m sure they will have had an eye on the game, because if City lose, it does become difficult for them.
“But Arsenal just need to focus on doing their own job.”
Arsenal have worked hard to get into a commanding position in the table. They are deservedly six points ahead of Man City with a superior goal difference of +5.
However, there is still much work to do in the title pursuit. Man City play first against Fulham on Wednesday before the Gunners travel to Brentford 24 hours later.
Arsenal have won in their last four trips to the Brentford Community Stadium, but the west London outfit are one of the most in-form teams and won’t be easy to beat this time.
After the midweek hurdle, Arsenal have another league game at Wolverhampton Wanderers (after the FA Cup fourth round tie vs Wigan at home) before the north London derby at Tottenham Hotspur away from home.
The Wolves match has been preponed due to Arsenal’s Carabao Cup final involvement next month. If the Gunners were to win both matches (Brentford & Wolves), they would be nine points clear at the top before Man City host Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium.
As Rooney said, Mikel Arteta’s side must only focus on themselves. They need to build another long winning streak, which could in turn put pressure on the Cityzens, who may have to respond with a perfect run to avoid losing further ground in terms of points.