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Rio Ferdinand has made comments countering Roy Keane on the outcome of the Premier League race between Arsenal and Manchester City.
THE LOWDOWN: TWO-WAY BATTLE PREDICTED
Arsenal currently sit at the top of the standings, five points clear from defending champions Manchester City, who are looking to complete a three-peat of the Premier League title for the first time in their history and the first time in over a decade in the league.
Master (Pep Guardiola) and student (Mikel Arteta) have gone head to head, playing good football and brushing aside opponents in a period of transition in the league to maintain the healthy rivalry that both of them have going on now.
City’s adjustment to playing with an out-and-out striker like Erling Haaland has seen them struggle a bit but it has also seen them be more prolific in front of goal, with Haaland outscoring most of the teams in the league this season after just 21 games.
Arsenal, on the other hand, have gotten the missing piece of their puzzle in former City man Gabriel Jesus, whose performances helped Arteta’s men to dominate the league to the surprise of many.
The Gunners have successfully navigated their way to the most perilous path in the league title race with an advantage. However, many believe things could change when they finally take on Manchester City in the league.
Should both teams maintain their current form, they will only be separated by five points until their first meeting. And if the first meeting goes City’s way – which is the most popular prediction – the lead will be cut to two points, which gives Pep Guardiola all the advantage.
THE LATEST: FERDINAND AND KEANE TAKE DIFFERENT STANDS
Roy Keane alluded to this fact after Arsenal’s dramatic comeback win against Manchester United at the Emirates last month. “If I were to put money on it I would still think City (will win it), but what we’ve seen of Arsenal today, seeing them live, the game today, the technical ability, the mentality today, it will take a lot to stop them and I wouldn’t be shocked if they do go on and win it,” the former United man said.
“I still maybe sway towards Manchester City, just because of what they’ve shown us over the last few years.”
Rio Ferdinand countered those comments on his YouTube channel recently, throwing his full weight behind Arsenal.
“I think it’s a wrap. I’ve got to be honest, I do,” the former Manchester United captain said. “No matter what results Arsenal get against Man City, I still think Arsenal have enough confidence, quality and calmness to take the title.”
THE VERDICT: STILL A LOT OF GAMES
Arsenal find themselves in a good position at the moment but it a lot can still happen in the remaining games. The reality is that a five-point lead is still slender, especially given that the Gunners are yet to play City at all.
If anything is to go by though, Arsenal have shown their position at the top of the table is no fluke and that they are ready to go all the way until the last day of the season.
