Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has cast doubt on Arsenal’s chances of winning the Champions League, insisting that Mikel Arteta’s squad won’t go all the way in the competition. According to Ferdinand, at least four teams are capable of eliminating the Gunners before they get a shot at the trophy.
Arsenal made a strong statement in the round of 16, thrashing PSV Eindhoven 7-1 in a record-breaking Champions League performance. Their dominant attacking display silenced critics who had questioned their goal-scoring ability due to inconsistent domestic form. The emphatic win secured their place in the quarter-finals, marking their return to the latter stages of Europe’s elite tournament after years of struggle.
However, despite Arsenal’s impressive showing, Ferdinand remains unconvinced about their title credentials. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former Manchester United defender analyzed the competition and claimed Arsenal are only the “fifth-best team” among those remaining on their side of the draw.
“I think they’re probably the fifth-best team in the Champions League on that side of the draw,” Ferdinand stated. “I’m not even talking about the whole competition, just the teams they could face in the quarters and semis.”
Arsenal face a tough road to the final, with a quarter-final clash looming against either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid—two clubs with significant European pedigree. Real Madrid is the most successful team in Champions League history, while Atletico Madrid, under Diego Simeone, is known for its defensive resilience and knockout-stage expertise.
If Arsenal progress past the quarter-finals, they could face a potential semi-final against one of Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Aston Villa, or Club Brugge. Each team presents a unique challenge, but Liverpool and PSG, in particular, are seen as two of the most dangerous sides in the competition.
Ferdinand highlighted Real Madrid and Liverpool as major threats, given their recent Champions League success. “Madrid knows how to win in Europe, and Liverpool, despite their ups and downs, still have the experience to go deep in this tournament. Those two alone could end Arsenal’s run,” he explained.
He also pointed out Atletico Madrid’s unpredictability, emphasizing their ability to grind out results. “Atletico Madrid under Simeone are built for these moments. They don’t care about possession or style, they just wear you down. That could be a nightmare for Arsenal,” he added.
Additionally, Ferdinand acknowledged Paris Saint-Germain’s threat, especially with Kylian Mbappé leading the attack. “PSG has one of the best players in the world in Mbappé. If he turns up, Arsenal’s defense could be in serious trouble,” he remarked.
Despite Arsenal’s historic win over PSV, Ferdinand remains skeptical about their ability to go the distance. He praised Arteta’s progress but argued that Arsenal still lack the experience and squad depth needed to compete with Europe’s elite over two legs.
“Listen, Arsenal have come a long way. Arteta has done an incredible job, but this is the Champions League. It’s a different level. You need experience, composure, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments,” he said.
Nevertheless, Arsenal will take confidence from their dominant performance against PSV. Their ability to control the game and score freely in an away knockout match sent a strong message to their European rivals. Key players like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Gabriel Jesus played crucial roles in the victory, showcasing Arsenal’s attacking prowess.
While Ferdinand doubts their chances, Arsenal will be determined to prove their critics wrong. With a more mature squad and Arteta’s tactical discipline, they have the potential to cause surprises. However, they must be at their best to navigate the tough challenges ahead in the quarter-finals.
Arsenal fans eagerly await the quarter-final draw, knowing a difficult test lies ahead. Whether they can rise to the occasion and defy expectations remains to be seen. As for Ferdinand’s predictions, time will tell whether Arsenal will make a deep Champions League run or fall short against Europe’s top sides.
For now, the Gunners will celebrate their success and continue their push for silverware on multiple fronts, with the final stages of their European campaign promising plenty of excitement.