Rio Ferdinand Questions Arsenal’s Champions League Credentials After Record-Breaking Win Over PSV

Rio Ferdinand questions Arsenal’s Champions League chances, saying Arteta’s team has gone backwards despite PSV thrashing.

Rio Ferdinand cast doubt on Arsenal’s Champions League chances, claiming Mikel Arteta’s side has “gone backwards” this season.

Despite Arsenal’s historic 7–1 away win against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League knockout stage, Rio Ferdinand remains skeptical about their chances of lifting the trophy. Speaking on his show Rio Ferdinand Presents, the former Manchester United defender argued that Arsenal may struggle against Europe’s elite and suggested they’ve regressed compared to previous seasons.

Arsenal’s Record-Breaking Win Sparks Hope

Arsenal’s dominant performance against PSV made headlines across Europe. The Gunners became the first team in Champions League history to score seven goals in a knockout game away from home. Goals from Jurrien Timber, Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard, Leandro Trossard, and Riccardo Calafiori showcased their attacking depth and defensive control, conceding only a single penalty.

The result also marked the biggest away win in the knockout stages and the first time a Dutch club conceded seven goals in a European match. Rising stars like Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly made history as the youngest players to start a Champions League knockout game for Arsenal.

Ferdinand Remains Unconvinced

Despite the emphatic win, Ferdinand downplayed Arsenal’s title hopes. He pointed to the difficulty of their draw, which could pit them against heavyweights like Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals. “They’ve gone backwards,” Ferdinand said, suggesting that Arsenal’s recruitment hasn’t kept pace with their ambitions.

He ranked Arsenal behind clubs like Liverpool, PSG, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid, placing them fourth or fifth in terms of overall strength in the competition.

While Ferdinand’s critique may sting, Arsenal’s Champions League journey is far from over. With the second leg against PSV still ahead, Mikel Arteta’s squad must stay focused and continue building momentum. Ferdinand’s comments serve as a reminder that success in Europe requires consistency, depth, and resilience.

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