Premier League Title Race: Manchester City Have Psychological Edge Over Arsenal, Says Wayne Rooney Manchester City’s psychological advantage over Arsenal in the Premier League title race has been highlighted by former England captain Wayne Rooney, who believes the reigning champions are better positioned to secure the league title. The former striker, speaking on his podcast, emphasized that City’s manager and squad provide them with a distinct edge, particularly in high-pressure situations. Arsenal, currently leading the table with a six-point cushion after playing an extra game, face City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in what is being dubbed the “title decider.” Rooney argued that City’s ability to remain composed under pressure gives them an edge over Arsenal, who he suggested may struggle with self-doubt after a recent slump. “City know how to win the title and have a manager who knows how to do it,” Rooney said. “They will be able to stay a little calmer than the Arsenal players. When you go on a run and lose a few games, you start thinking, ‘Where’s the next goal, the next win going to come from?’ That negative mindset really has an impact on your performance.” The psychological battle is amplified by the recent results between the two teams. Manchester City extended their lead in the title race by beating Chelsea 3-0 on Sunday, while Arsenal’s hopes were dented by a 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth. Rooney predicted that whoever wins Sunday’s match will be the favorite to clinch the league, calling it a “title decider” that could determine the season’s outcome. He also warned that a draw for Arsenal could force them to adopt a more aggressive, “dirty” approach to neutralize City’s threat.#arsenal #mikel_arteta #manchester_city #tottenham_hotspur #wayne_rooney
Wayne Rooney Calls Phil Foden's Cup Final Appearance a 'Charity' Substitution Wayne Rooney has described Phil Foden's brief appearance for Manchester City in their Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal as a "charity sub" to get him on the pitch. The England international, who has struggled to secure regular playing time this season, was introduced in the final minute of the 2-0 win at Wembley on Sunday. Rooney, speaking on the BBC's Wayne Rooney Show, expressed frustration over Foden's limited involvement in recent matches, suggesting it felt unusual for a top player to be used so sparingly in a high-stakes game. Foden, 25, has been a regular omission from City's starting lineup in several key fixtures this season. He was an unused substitute in City's two UEFA Champions League round-of-16 games against Real Madrid and in recent Premier League matches against Liverpool, Leeds United, West Ham United, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur. Despite being named in Thomas Tuchel's squad for upcoming international matches against Uruguay and Japan, Foden has yet to find consistent minutes in club action. Rooney acknowledged Foden's importance to the team, stating that his inclusion in the cup final felt like a gesture to give him experience rather than a reflection of his current form. "I felt sad for him but not sad because he is coming on in a cup final," Rooney said. "There was a game a few days ago when he didn't even get on the pitch. If that was Max Dowman coming on at the end, you would think good experience. But to see Phil Foden coming on in a cup final, it felt like a charity sub to get him on the pitch." The former Manchester United and England forward also raised concerns about Foden's reduced role, noting that the player had been in good form earlier in the season.#manchester_city #thomas_tuchel #wayne_rooney #carabao_cup #phil_foden
Wayne Rooney Criticizes Phil Foden's Cup Final Substitution Phil Foden’s stoppage-time appearance in Manchester City’s Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal drew criticism from former England captain Wayne Rooney, who likened the substitution to a “charity” gesture. The 25-year-old, who collected his 18th trophy as a City player, came on in the 90th minute to replace Rayan Cherki, a move that sparked debate about his limited role in recent matches. Foden had been omitted from City’s starting lineup in four of their past 13 games across all competitions, with players like Cherki, Antoine Semenyo, and Savinho preferred over him. His last goal came on 14 December, and he has since failed to find the net in 20 consecutive appearances. Despite the substitution in the final, Rooney suggested the decision felt like a token effort to give Foden playing time. Speaking on the BBC’s Wayne Rooney Show, the former Manchester United forward expressed mixed feelings. “I felt sad for him but not sad because he is coming on in a cup final,” Rooney said. “There was a game a few days ago when he didn’t even get on the pitch. If that was Max Dowman coming on at the end, you would think good experience. But to see Phil Foden coming on in a cup final, it felt like a charity sub to get him on the pitch.” Rooney questioned the lack of consistent opportunities for Foden, noting his recent form and status as a top player. “I don’t know what has happened, he is a top player. It feels strange he can’t get anywhere near the team. It feels like something has gone on there,” he added. “I thought Foden was in good form but all of a sudden we haven’t seen him get any minutes. Firstly he will be pleased they won the cup but from a selfish point of view, he would have wanted to be out there and having an influence.#manchester_city #rayan_cherki #wayne_rooney #carabao_cup_final #phil_foden
Wayne Rooney: Max Dowman Has 'Aura and Belief' - and His GCSEs Max Dowman made history on Saturday by becoming the youngest ever goalscorer in Premier League history at just 16 years old. Wayne Rooney, who himself scored as a teenager for Everton against Arsenal in 2002, praised the Arsenal youngster for his "aura and belief" while also emphasizing the importance of his education. Rooney, speaking on his podcast, The Wayne Rooney Show, highlighted Dowman's potential but warned that the young forward might need to prioritize his schoolwork in the coming weeks. "He has got his GCSEs, and his education, I'm sure for him and his family, is important as well," Rooney said. He acknowledged the unique opportunity Dowman has to be part of a Premier League squad, noting that the 16-year-old could one day win a league title while still finishing school. Rooney also expressed confidence in Dowman's composure under pressure, comparing his approach to his own experience as a young player. "He seems, from the games I've watched, to not let that pressure affect him because he gets the ball, he holds on to it, he commits defenders, he goes to take them on, and so he definitely looks like he's got a confidence about him," Rooney said. Reflecting on his own debut goal against Arsenal in 2002, Rooney noted how the attention on Dowman is different in the modern era. "Now we're in social media," he said. "People will be messaging, Instagram or Twitter, whatever he's got. And you'll be seeing it everywhere. So I don't think he will have slept many hours [on Saturday night] because I'm sure he will have been up watching it." Rooney contrasted the media landscape of his youth with today's environment, where social media amplifies scrutiny. "It's different now, a different age when I was coming through. There was no social media at that time.#arsenal #mikel_arteta #max_dowman #wayne_rooney #gcse
