Wednesday’s huge title showdown could well decide the fate of the Premier League, and for Rooney brings back memories of Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium in a similar situation 11 years ago.
“That was another title decider of a game and we were three points ahead, with three games to play,” he wrote in The Sunday Times. “A draw would have been a great result for us, so we went to the Etihad to try to hold out.
“I played up front by myself, and though we defended well we didn’t create enough chances. They were the better team and scored from a set piece — a Vincent Kompany header from a corner.
“Looking back you say to yourself, ‘Why didn’t we try to win the game?’ and the regrets kick in.”
With William Saliba set to miss out with a back injury, Rooney sees little point in Arsenal worrying about the plethora of talent in City’s attack, including Erling Haaland.
“There were so many good players in their side that it was a mistake to try to contain them, because normally top players will find a way to create chances and score — which City did,” he added.
“On the flipside, we had top players too, so we should have just gone at them rather than hold out for the draw.
“The regrets I feel to this day are that we didn’t have a go, a sense that we threw away the title that season. It still rankles.”
