Why Arsenal icon was worried about Man City star - 'I don’t care what happened'

Arsenal legend Sol Campbell admits he was nervously looking over his shoulder as Manchester City star Rodri threatened to steal one of his Premier League records. The Gunners icon had boasted the longest unbeaten run at the competition.

Campbell had gone 56 games unbeaten during his time with Arsenal - a record that had stood for two decades. But Man City midfielder Rodri was getting close to moving ahead.

He had gone 49 games without a Premier League defeat before his run was ended with the 2-1 defeat to Brighton ahead of the first international break of the season. And Campbell has since admitted that he breathed a sigh of relief.

Speaking to Paddy Power, the former defender said: “I was getting worried! Rodri was getting close.

“He was up to 49 games before Man City’s defeat at Brighton and that record has stood for 20 years now. No one has got 50-plus games unbeaten except for me so it was good to see City lose that game!”

Despite seeing his unbeaten run being brought to an end, Rodri has reacted in fine form. City batted aside rivals Manchester United after the international break, while they also chalked up their first Champions League win of the season against Italian side Napoli.

Pep Guardiola’s side will be aiming to make it three wins in a row this weekend as they take on Arsenal. Rodri has spoken out ahead of the game and has warned the Gunners that victory is firmly in their sights at the Emirates.

He said: “We’re going with the mentality to win there. I don’t care what happened last season, I don’t care. We have the level to go there and show again our best shape.

“We know they’re an unbelievable team, they reformed the team every single year with incredible signings and every day they’re potentially better and better.

“It’s the beginning of the season, but it will be a good message if we go there and win in their home. So this is our mentality.”

Bernardo Silva has also offered his take on the upcoming trip to North London, claiming that Arsenal will once again be their rivals for the title. He said: “They’re obviously a strong team, one of the contenders.

“Beginning of the season… three points, but it’s an important game because it’s not only three points that you can win it’s three points you can potentially take from a Premier League contender.”

Arsenal could potentially claim top spot in the Premier League with victory - and Liverpool lose to Merseyside rivals Everton. Meanwhile, Man City will be hoping to finally get their season up and running after two defeats in their opening four games of the campaign.

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