Rio Ferdinand has weighed in on a decision that he believes has kept Arsenal behind Liverpool in the Premier League title race. The Gunners continue their chase, having won their last match to keep the pressure on a Liverpool side that has looked almost unstoppable this season. Even when the Reds struggle in certain games, they still manage to secure victories, which is why many believe the title is theirs to lose.
Despite this, Arsenal has refused to back down and remains determined to push Liverpool until the end. Mikel Arteta’s men have matched Liverpool’s results in recent weeks, ensuring the gap between the two teams remains manageable. The Gunners understand that if they stay in top form and capitalise on any slip-ups, they have a genuine chance of overtaking their rivals.
However, Ferdinand believes Arsenal could already be in a stronger position had Arteta made a different decision earlier in the season. The former Manchester United defender pointed to the period when Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was sidelined, suggesting that Ethan Nwaneri should have been given more opportunities at that time.
Ferdinand shared his thoughts on his YouTube channel, stating: “Arsenal could be nearer to winning the league and closer to Liverpool if your manager played Nwaneri when Odegaard was injured.” He continued: “What he is doing… he is cooking defenders, he is cooking teams. I think if he came in you would have got more points.”
While it is easy to look back and speculate on what might have been, Arsenal must now focus on the remaining games and continue their strong form. There is no point in dwelling on past decisions—the priority must be to keep winning and put themselves in the best position to challenge Liverpool until the very end.
ADMIN COMMENT
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I think Rio is talking sense. Nwaneri would been giving more time bed in. I know Arteta was managing playing him but he has got a good family keeping himIn the right head space. Arteta has a responsibility to players, especially young potential super stars. But is no ordinarily acamedy player. He is a beast. He should have been played sooner. But he shink he shine on the attaccking right wing allowing
Sagan (Micah Richards, on Sky sPort?) to flll the number 9 role
The number 9
Role
Sometimes, players come up out of necessity . We can’t speculate what could’ve been, maybe Nwaneri needed to bed in with Odegaard by his side first; if he’d been thrown in immediately and failed the same chaps would be castigating Arteta for failing to manage him!
I think Nwaneri has come in at the right time and I am looking forward to more from him!
100%
The chickens come home to roost SueP
Arteta has lost many points in last 3 seasons because he was not brave enough to trust some youngsters. It was evident Arsenal was lacking creativity upfront but instead of trusting Nwaneri Arteta was playing his boring game. Like Playing Partey at right back and Havertz in CM. Even a naive fan can see that this combination did not work last season but dumb Arteta still not realized it. ultimately costing the league every season.
Only time Arteta plays Academy players is when nobody of his favorites are unavailable.
Examples of late chances given by Arteta even though players were ready and his team was underperforming was
Saliba, Smith Rowe, Nwaneri, Skelly, Tierney etc.
Am disappointed to admit the Manchester united legend is right.
Nwaneri should have been given a clear run from Southampton came to the Emirates.
When I ask, If the gaffer was waiting on a telephone call from God to start the kid, I was immediately taken to task by armchair managers.
Since when was God an Arsenal fan?
Gunsmoke,
The line must have been engaged. 😂🤣😉👍