Just after the end of the match between Manchester City and Tottenham this Sunday (2-2), the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri exploded his frustration into the microphone of the British press.

According to him, the Premier League secretly hopes that Arsenal will lift the trophy this season, tired of seeing Manchester City win almost everything for more than ten years.

Manchester City victims of a conspiracy? That's certainly what Rodri suggested on Sunday after his team's frustrating 2-2 draw against Tottenham in the Premier League. The Spanish Ballon d'Or winner didn't mince words about British refereeing in recent weeks, speaking in the mixed zone after the final whistle.

"I know we've won too often and people don't want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral. To me, it's not fair. It's not fair," he said, as Arsenal now have a six-point lead over City.

"The Premier League is fascinating," Guardiola grumbles.

Rodri had his eye on Dominic Solanke's goal in the 53rd minute. After Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo had scored twice in the first half, the Spurs striker had put his team back on track by winning his one-on-one against Marc Guéhi. But Pep Guardiola's men saw it as a foul, even though VAR confirmed the goal.

"He kicked him in the leg, it's blatant. It's not just today, it's been two or three games in a row and honestly, I don't understand why," said Rodri.

Pep Guardiola shared the same exasperation. "Here we go again," he exclaimed. "What can you say? Marc has the ball, he's brought down from behind, and it's a goal. So, what can you say? Nothing. Another one. If you do that to a striker, it's a penalty. I'm not a referee. The Premier League is fascinating."

At the very top of the table, Arsenal (1st, 53 pts) are all smiles after this draw. Following their triumph at Leeds (4-0), the league leaders extended their lead over Manchester City (2nd, 47 pts) and Aston Villa (3rd, 46 pts). The Gunners are thus moving closer to their first league title in over 20 years (2004). For their part, City have won eight Premier League titles since 2012, including four in the last five seasons.