Ferdinand Backs Eze to Unlock Arsenal's Title Bid If Shackles Come Off

Rio Ferdinand has identified the one factor that could prove decisive in Arsenal's title chase: giving Eberechi Eze the green light to play without constraints.

Following Arsenal's narrow 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at the weekend, the north London outfit have climbed back to the summit of the Premier League. With Manchester City turning their attention to FA Cup semi-final business, Arteta's men have a genuine opportunity to extend their advantage—potentially six points clear with two games in hand by the conclusion of this weekend's fixtures.

Yet the performance against Newcastle hardly inspired confidence. Arsenal's attacking play lacked sparkle for large periods, though Eze's match-winning contribution stood out amid a largely underwhelming display.

Ferdinand's message to Arteta is straightforward: unleash the midfielder. Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, he argued that Eze possesses the quality to carry Arsenal across the finish line—provided he's not operating under artificial restrictions.

"You've got to let Eze free. Let Eze go and win you the league," Ferdinand declared. "If Eze is let free and told to go and do it, Eze wins you lot the league right now, I'm telling you."

The former Manchester United defender suggested that reining in Eze's natural instincts would make the run-in a gruelling affair. "If he's playing with his handbrake half on then it's going to be 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."

Beyond his assessment of Eze's importance, Ferdinand has backed Arsenal to claim the title outright. He pointed to a potential momentum shift as City prepare for their next league outing, with Arsenal poised to open up daylight on the table.

"I think Arsenal are going to win it," Ferdinand explained. "I think Arsenal have got the easier games, slightly. The fact Arsenal are going to be six points clear by the time Manchester City play next—I think the power, the shift of momentum, might just change then."

That said, Ferdinand isn't dismissing City's credentials entirely. Guardiola's experience and the quality of his squad cannot be overlooked in a title run-in, and Ferdinand acknowledged the possibility of a City fightback.

"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," he added.

Yet his final verdict remained with the Gunners. "But I just feel it's your time, man. It's Arsenal's time."