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Wayne Rooney, former England captain, believes Manchester City holds a psychological advantage over Arsenal in the Premier League title race. Arsenal currently leads the league by nine points but has played two games more than City. The two teams are set to face each other at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday (16:30 BST).

According to BBC News, Rooney emphasized City’s experience and managerial expertise as key factors in their favor. He noted that City players are likely to remain calmer under pressure compared to Arsenal, who may be feeling the weight of expectations after recent setbacks.

Rooney remarked that the outcome of the match in Manchester could significantly influence the title race, suggesting that the winner will emerge as the favorite to clinch the league. He also mentioned that a draw could be beneficial for Arsenal, who may need to adopt a more defensive strategy to thwart City’s attacking prowess.

In a separate discussion, Rooney expressed concerns about Tottenham Hotspur, who currently find themselves in the relegation zone after a disappointing performance against Sunderland. He described their efforts as “a bit flat” and stressed the urgency for new manager Roberto de Zerbi to turn the team’s fortunes around quickly. Rooney warned that relegation would have dire consequences for the club, affecting both player morale and future prospects.

Tottenham has not won a Premier League match in 2026, with their next opportunity coming against Brighton at home. Rooney emphasized the importance of gaining a win to restore confidence within the squad.