Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg has taken a swipe at Manchester City midfielder Rodri for his antics during his side’s 3-0 victory over Manchester United on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola’s side wiped the floor with their arch-rivals during the landmark 191st Manchester derby courtesy of a brace from Erling Braut Haaland and a late goal from Phil Foden.
However, the major talking point from the largely one-sided affair emerged just before the half-hour mark when Rasmus Hojlund was penalised for a foul on Rodri inside the 18-yard area.
Haaland cooly dispatched the resulting penalty to send Man City on their way to a comfortable victory on enemy turf, sparking controversy surrounding the on-field referee and VAR decision.
Ljungberg, whose last managerial spell came in 2019 when he was appointed as Arsenal’s caretaker boss, has slammed Rodri for making the most of a soft foul.
He also aimed a dig at the VAR, who have come under increased scrutiny since the start of the 2023/24 campaign following a string of questionable decisions.
“I don’t like this guy,” Ljungberg said (via AS). “I may touch him with his hand, but Rodri weighs between 90 and 95 kilos. He throws himself – you can tell he throws himself.
“This will work like this in Spanish football because I don’t want Spanish football in the Premier League. I’m a little upset.
“Then I hear that it is Michael Oliver who is in the VAR room, so it does not surprise me that they finally called a penalty.”
The penalty decision marked a major turning point in the box office fixture, but Man United offered little by way of a response, ultimately succumbing to a thumping defeat.
Erik ten Hag remained optimistic about his side’s upward trajectory despite the damning defeat, but only time will tell if the Dutchman can turn his side’s fortunes around.
They will be determined to flip the script when they welcome Newcastle United to Old Trafford in midweek before travelling to Fulham this weekend.
