Something Sir Alex Ferguson never did — Rio Ferdinand reveals why Arsenal are the best team

Something Sir Alex Ferguson never did — Rio Ferdinand reveals why Arsenal are the best team

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 12:32 - 18.09.2024

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has highlighted the main advantage Mikel Arteta's Arsenal will enjoy in the title race.

Arsenal defeated Tottenham in the North London derby last weekend, thanks to Gabriel Magalhaes' second-half header.

The Gunners set up cautiously, with manager Mikel Arteta having to make do without key players Martin Odegaard, Riccardo Calafiori, Declan Rice, and Gabriel Jesus.

Arteta has been applauded for leading the team to consecutive title challenges, despite falling short to Manchester City.

Rio Ferdinand backs Arteta for set-piece masterclass

Even Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand is impressed with what the Gunners have been doing behind the scenes.

That's 17 goals from corners since last season, and a whopping 42 from set pieces since they brought in set-piece coach Nicolas Jover from Manchester City in 2021.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta with set-piece coach Nicolas Jover

Ferdinand hailed Arsenal's work on set pieces before admitting that the great Manchester United sides under Sir Alex Ferguson did not achieve the same;

He said on FIVE:

“Sir Alex Ferguson at Man United, we didn’t do set-pieces until we played against Tony Pulis’ team, Stoke, when they had Rory Delap on the long throw.

“We never did attacking set-plays. The only defensive set-play we did was about throw-ons from Stoke when they used to throw the ball into the box."

Arsenal are at the Etihad this weekend for a blockbuster clash against Manchester City.