Arsenal should only fear Manchester City and Real Madrid in the Champions League, says Rio Ferdinand
Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has expressed his confidence in Arsenal’s Champions League journey this season, suggesting that the Gunners have little to fear outside of Manchester City and Real Madrid.
Arsenal’s return to Europe’s elite competition after a seven-year hiatus has been marked by promising performances. Securing a second-place finish in the Premier League last season, behind the dominant Manchester City, set the stage for their Champions League comeback. Their campaign began with a resounding 4-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven at the vibrant Emirates Stadium, followed by a setback against Lens in Ligue 1.
However, Arsenal’s resilience shone through as they won three and drew one of their last four group stage matches, securing their spot in the knockout phase as Group B leaders. Their upcoming clash against Porto in the last-16 tie presents an exciting opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to showcase their strength on the European stage.
Rio Ferdinand, despite facing criticism from Arsenal fans along the way, believes that Arsenal has the potential to go far in the tournament. He emphasized that avoiding Manchester City and Real Madrid until the later stages, possibly the semi-finals or finals, could enhance Arsenal’s chances of success.
Highlighting Arsenal’s recent form, Ferdinand pointed out the team’s impressive run of five consecutive league victories before heading to Porto. He acknowledged the threat posed by Arsenal’s dynamic players such as Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli when they are in peak form.
Ferdinand praised Odegaard and Saka for their goal-scoring contributions and emphasized their ability to influence matches. He also emphasized the impact of Martinelli, highlighting Arsenal’s attacking prowess when these creative talents are firing on all cylinders.
In Ferdinand’s view, Arsenal possesses the quality and depth to challenge any opponent in the Champions League, provided their key players maintain their form and fitness throughout the campaign. As Arsenal embarks on their Champions League journey, Ferdinand’s assessment reflects optimism and belief in the team’s potential to compete at the highest level.
