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Rio Ferdinand has downplayed Arsenal’s chances of winning the Champions League for the first time this season, claiming Mikel Arteta’s team has ‘gone backwards’.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has cast doubt on Arsenal’s chances of winning the UEFA Champions League, despite their impressive 7-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven. Ferdinand has identified four teams that he believes could eliminate Arsenal from the competition and has claimed that Mikel Arteta’s side has taken a step ‘backwards’ this season.
Arsenal’s dominant performance against PSV saw them become the first team in Champions League history to score seven goals in a knockout game away from home. This remarkable achievement has raised hopes among Arsenal fans that their team could go all the way in the competition. However, Ferdinand remains unconvinced about their chances, citing several formidable opponents that could pose a significant challenge to the Gunners.
Arsenal’s victory over PSV was nothing short of spectacular. The Gunners dominated the match from start to finish, with goals from Jurrien Timber, Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard, Leandro Trossard, and Riccardo Calafiori. This performance not only showcased Arsenal’s attacking prowess but also highlighted their defensive solidity, as they limited PSV to just one goal from a penalty.
The win set several records, including the largest away win in the knockout stages of the Champions League and the first time a Dutch club has conceded seven goals in a European match. Arsenal’s young talents, such as Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly, also made history by becoming the youngest players to start a Champions League knockout game for the club.
Despite the impressive victory, Rio Ferdinand has expressed reservations about Arsenal’s ability to go all the way in the Champions League. Speaking on his show, “Rio Ferdinand Presents,” he pointed out that Arsenal finds themselves in a challenging half of the draw, with potential quarter-final clashes against heavyweights like Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid.
Ferdinand acknowledged that Arsenal has made significant strides under Arteta, but he believes that the team has “gone backwards” compared to their performances in the last two years. He cited the need for better recruitment and suggested that Arsenal might be the fourth or fifth-best team in the competition, behind the likes of Liverpool, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal’s journey in the Champions League is far from over. With the second leg against PSV still to come, the Gunners must maintain their focus and continue to deliver strong performances. Ferdinand’s assessment serves as a reminder that while Arsenal has the potential to compete with Europe’s elite, they must remain vigilant and address any weaknesses to achieve their ultimate goal.
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