Despite Arsenal’s emphatic 7-1 victory over PSV, Rio Ferdinand remains unconvinced about their Champions League chances. The Gunners delivered a record-breaking performance, becoming the first team to score seven goals in a knockout game away from home. However, Ferdinand insists they would struggle against at least four potential opponents in their side of the draw.
Arsenal are set to face either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals, followed by a potential semi-final clash with PSG, Liverpool, Aston Villa, or Club Brugge. Ferdinand ranked them behind Liverpool, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and PSG, making them only the fifth-best team in their half of the tournament. He criticized their progress, stating that they have gone backward compared to last season.
One of Ferdinand’s main concerns is Arsenal’s lack of a true No. 9. He questioned their decision not to sign a striker in January, arguing that a defensive midfielder playing as a forward is not sustainable for a team competing for major titles. While Kai Havertz has done a decent job, Ferdinand believes an out-and-out striker is necessary for success in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Darren Fletcher, who analyzed Arsenal’s chances alongside Ferdinand, was even more dismissive. He believes the Gunners are far from winning either the Premier League or the Champions League. Fletcher argued that their squad lacks the depth and quality required to compete at the highest level and sees them as outsiders in the tournament.
Arsenal’s potential path to the final looks daunting. If they progress past Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid, they could meet European heavyweights like Liverpool or PSG in the semi-finals. On the other side of the draw, teams like Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Inter Milan are also in contention. This tough competition makes their road to the trophy far more difficult.
Arsenal’s struggles in domestic football also add to the skepticism. With Liverpool sitting 13 points ahead in the Premier League, Arsenal’s inconsistency has raised concerns about their ability to maintain a title challenge. Their recruitment decisions have been questioned, with many feeling they missed an opportunity to strengthen key positions in the winter transfer window.
The Gunners remain a talented squad under Mikel Arteta, but their ability to go all the way in the Champions League is in doubt. Facing Europe’s elite teams will be a massive test, and if they fall short, it could signal the need for further reinforcements in the summer..