Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes that Arsenal is one of the three teams capable of winning the UEFA Champions League trophy this season. Alongside Manchester City and Real Madrid, he suggests that the Gunners should not fear any other team in the competition.
As Arsenal prepares to face FC Porto in the Champions League Round of 16 first-leg clash on Wednesday (February 21), they enter the match with confidence after topping their group, which included PSV Eindhoven, RC Lens, and Sevilla, with four wins, one draw, and one defeat.
Ahead of their encounter with Porto, Ferdinand identified Manchester City and Real Madrid as the primary threats to Arsenal’s Champions League ambitions, stating (via Metro):
“I think they can go a long way in this tournament. As long as they stay away from Man City and Real Madrid until maybe the semis or finals, I think they can get that far. They’ve got nothing to fear outside those two.”
With Arsenal displaying impressive form recently, winning their last five games with an aggregate scoreline of 21-2, Ferdinand lauded their attacking prowess:
“Odegaard scoring the other day, a couple of goals. Saka scoring again. Those two creative players can define a match. When they’re in form, add Martinelli to that, they’re a threat for anyone.”
The Gunners’ dominant performances in their last two games, with an aggregate scoreline of 11-0 against West Ham United (6-0) and Burnley (5-0), further underscore their potential in the competition.
