Manchester City will host Arsenal this weekend in a title decider and Rio Ferdinand insists the north Londoners need to rethink their plan if they don’t want to be on the receiving end of a scoreline
Rio Ferdinand has given Arsenal a stern warning ahead of their trip to Man City(Image: Getty Images)
Rio Ferdinand has told Arsenal to change their approach ahead of facing Manchester City in this week’s title decider otherwise they’ll “get pumped”.
The Gunners head to the Etihad on Sunday afternoon for a clash that may well determine where the Premier League trophy ends up. Mikel Arteta is yet to win on the blue side of Manchester since taking charge at the Emirates.
He’s previously endured some damaging defeats, notably in 2023 when City claimed a 4-1 victory to all but steal the title from Arsenal’s grasp. Arteta has copped criticism for a perceived negative approach this term, with sees huge onus placed on their defensive solidity and productivity from set pieces.
Ferdinand insists that Arsenal, who are on a run of three losses in four games, need to go and take the game to City on Sunday or risk being on the wrong end of the scoreline.
He said on his YouTube channel Rio Ferdinand Presents : “If you go there and sit back like Liverpool did at PSG the other day, it’s slapsville. You’re getting pumped. You can’t do that. Do you win leagues doing that?”
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City looked relentless as they dispatched Chelsea on Sunday, just 24 hours after Arsenal had opened the door for them. Pep Guardiola’s side ran out 3-0 winners at Stamford Bridge after Bournemouth had stunned the Emirates – and Ferdinand thinks the Cherries could provide some inspiration for Arteta.
He said: “This is glaring, the way City set up to block all passing lanes, pressing high. I don’t think Bournemouth went four up the pitch as glaring in exactly the same way. They were great in terms of blocking passing lanes making Arsenal having to go over it or just panic a little bit and give the ball away.
“I think, is that the blueprint? Bournemouth have copied it their own way. Mikel Arteta and his team haven’t found an answer yet. It wasn’t a good performance. At least get about and put it on some players.”
Guardiola is looking to time his run perfectly with City purring come the business end of the season. Having claimed the Carabao Cup they are also favourites to land the FA Cup. Another league success would be their top prize, especially given how far back they’ve had to come to make it a contest.
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