Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand says Arsenal should be considered a ‘definite threat’ to any team in the Champions League if they get through their last-16 tie with Porto.
Porto forward Galeno stunned a below-par Arsenal with a long-range strike deep into stoppage time to give the Primeira Liga outfit a 1-0 advantage ahead of the second leg at the Emirates.
The defeat was a rare blip for Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta’s men firing on all cylinders in recent weeks, winning seven games on the trot in the Premier League to reassert themselves back in this season’s title race with Liverpool and Manchester City.
The Gunners have scored four or more goals in each of their last four matches in the English top flight and will be desperate to continue the trend when they play host to London rivals Brentford this weekend.
Arteta’s side will then switch their attentions back to Europe next Tuesday night, desperate to put things right to secure their place in the quarter-finals with Bayern Munich and PSG – who progressed through this week.
On Arsenal’s chances of going all they way in this year’s Champions League, Ferdinand told TNT Sports: ‘If they go through, which I think they will against Porto, I don’t think there is any team that really wants them.
‘Even Manchester City, they won’t want them.
There are easier tests out there than Arsenal. Arsenal are a definite threat for any team in this tournament.’
Owen Hargreaves agreed that Arsenal have a serious chance in the competition, though believes the team’s experienced showed in their first leg in Porto.
‘This Arsenal team are exceptional right now. They’ve got a brave manager and a brave team,’ the former Bayern Munich and England midfielder said.
‘If they go for it, I really believe they can win the Champions League.
‘But obviously, experience is a big thing and it showed in that first leg.’
On Arsenal being the third favourites, Hargreaves replied: ‘I think it’s right.
‘City, obviously, Real Madrid, and Arsenal are right there.
‘I think Bayern Munich, if they sort themselves out, they could have a go as well.’
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