Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has declared that Eberechi Eze could be the decisive factor in the Premier League title race, stating that the Arsenal midfielder has the ability to 'drag Arsenal over the line' if given the freedom to express himself.
Eze's Impact at Arsenal
Arsenal reclaimed top spot in the Premier League with a tense 1-0 victory over Newcastle at the weekend, thanks to a sublime ninth-minute strike from Eze in front of a nervous Emirates crowd. The win was a welcome return to form for the Gunners, who had slipped to second place after Manchester City edged out Burnley in midweek, following their victory over Mikel Arteta's side at the Etihad.
Eze had also impressed against City, hitting the post with a exquisite curled effort from the edge of the box when the score was 1-1, after goals from Rayan Cherki and Kai Havertz. Shortly after, Erling Haaland scored the winner for City, and Eze was substituted for Leandro Trossard in the 74th minute—a decision widely criticized after the match, with Paul Scholes and Patrick Vieira among those left puzzled.
Injury Concerns and Recovery
There were concerns when Eze was forced off with a suspected muscle problem during Saturday's win over Newcastle, but the 27-year-old appears to have shaken off the injury and was pictured training on Tuesday. He will be eager to continue his run in the side for Arsenal's upcoming clashes against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and Fulham in the Premier League.
Ferdinand's Verdict
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand backed Eze to have a major influence on Arsenal's title charge, provided Arteta allows him to 'play with the handbrake off'. 'You know what I think is a key thing? You've got to let Eze free. Let Eze go and win you the league,' Ferdinand said. 'If Eze is let free and told to go and do it, Eze wins you lot the league right now, I'm telling you. If he's playing with his handbrake half on then it's going to be a long, long 90 minutes for you lot. If you let him just roll and let him go, my man is capable, I think, of dragging you lot over the line.'
Title Race Prediction
Despite Arsenal's recent setback at the Etihad, the former England defender backed them to 'shift the momentum' and end their 22-year wait for the title. 'Everyone is asking me this all the time and I'm going to put it right to you, I'm going to put your nerves at rest,' he said. 'I think Arsenal are going to win it, I think Arsenal have got the easier games, slightly. The fact Arsenal are going to be six points clear, I believe, by the time Manchester City play next, I think the power, the shift of momentum, might just change then. So I'm going to go with you guys [Arsenal] to win the league still.'
According to Ferdinand, 'it's Arsenal's time' to finally lift the Premier League trophy after three successive runners-up finishes. 'I think it's going to be difficult,' he added. 'I'm not sitting on the fence but I would not be surprised if City win it because they've got the experience, they've got Pep Guardiola in charge, they've got players that understand this run-in. But I just feel it's your time, man. It's Arsenal's time.'
