Wayne Rooney has dismissed suggestions that Manchester City’s Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal will have any significant impact on the Premier League title race.
Rooney: Carabao Cup result will have no impact on Premier League title race
Pep Guardiola’s side secured the first silverware of the season with a 2-0 win at Wembley on Sunday, courtesy of two second-half goals from Nico O’Reilly. The result denied Arsenal their first major trophy since 2020.
Following the final, pundit Gary Neville claimed City had landed a “psychological blow” on Mikel Arteta’s team as they look to close the gap at the top of the table.
Arsenal currently hold a nine-point lead, though City have a game in hand and still face the Gunners at the Etihad Stadium.
Rooney, however, does not believe the result will alter the trajectory of the title race. The former Manchester United forward remains confident Arsenal will go on to lift the Premier League trophy for the first time in 22 years.
“I don’t think it will,” Rooney said on his BBC podcast when asked about the final’s impact.
“Arsenal are still in a very good position, as good a position as you can be at this stage of the season.”
He outlined the scale of the task facing City, adding: “For Man City to catch them I think they have to win every game and Arsenal drop seven points. City will need to beat them at home as well. I think it’s a tough ask.”
Rooney backed Arsenal to recover quickly from the Wembley disappointment. “I’m sure they will go back to winning games and see the title out.
I just think Arsenal are too good, too efficient and too strong defensively to let it slip from here.”
When asked whether Arsenal risked “bottling” their advantage, he responded: “I think this team is different. From all the things I have seen, they look mentally stronger.”
Jamie Carragher echoed that view on Sky Sports, insisting Arsenal remain in control despite the cup final loss.
However, the former Liverpool defender did highlight a concern, stating that Arteta’s side lack “something really special in the attack” and a “world-class talent” capable of turning tight games.
Arsenal return to Premier League action on April 11 against Bournemouth, while City travel to Chelsea the following day.
