Photo credit: GETTY IMAGES
Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal would be closer to Liverpool if Mikel Arteta had not made a mistake earlier this season.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has pinpointed a significant mistake by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta that he believes has cost the Gunners dearly in their Premier League title race against Liverpool. Currently sitting in second place, Arsenal trails Liverpool by seven points with 13 games remaining in the season.
Ferdinand argues that Arsenal could have been much closer to Liverpool if Arteta had utilized teenage star Ethan Nwaneri more effectively during Martin Odegaard’s injury period. According to Ferdinand, Nwaneri’s inclusion could have provided the spark needed to secure more points during a challenging phase.
“Arsenal could be nearer to winning the league and closer to Liverpool if your manager played Nwaneri when Odegaard was injured,” Ferdinand stated on his YouTube channel. He emphasized that Nwaneri’s impressive performances in recent games, including a 2-0 win over Leicester City, demonstrate his potential impact.
Although it is always better to look back, Ferdinand’s criticism emphasizes how crucial managerial choices are in high-stakes matches. As Arsenal continues to chase their first league title since 2004, the debate over Arteta’s choices will undoubtedly continue.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings