Ferdinand Explains Why Arsenal Can Beat Superior PSG in Final Showdown

By: Shawn
Rio Ferdinand has made a striking prediction ahead of the Champions League final, backing Arsenal to defeat Paris Saint-Germain despite acknowledging the French champions’ superior overall quality.

Arsenal are on the verge of history as they prepare for a major showdown against PSG in the final. Following Bukayo Saka’s decisive impact against Atletico Madrid in the semi-final, Mikel Arteta’s side now have the chance to complete a remarkable league and European double.
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‎Rio Ferdinand predicts Arsenal will beat PSG in the Champions League final, citing set-pieces as the key advantage.
‎Getty (2)
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Speaking on his Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, the former Manchester United and England defender expressed strong belief in Arsenal’s chances:

"I said Arsenal would win the league this year and I think Arsenal will win the league," Ferdinand said. "And I now think that Arsenal are going to win the Champions League, guys."

However, Ferdinand also made it clear that PSG remain the more complete footballing side under Luis Enrique. The French champions have been dominant in attack throughout the competition, scoring 44 goals en route to the final in Budapest, compared to Arsenal’s 29.

"PSG are the better team, 100 per cent. Right now, they’ve got the team, they’re the better footballing team, better style of play, they’re the best team on the planet to watch and their manager is the best right now at this point."

Despite this, Ferdinand believes Arsenal hold a crucial advantage in one key area: set-pieces. He highlighted PSG’s vulnerability in defending dead-ball situations and suggested it could decide the final.

"But they look uncomfortable at set-pieces," Ferdinand explained. "Even Bayern Munich, who aren’t great at set-pieces, they made them look uncomfortable and I’ve seen it many times this season. They’re the best team in the Premier League at set-pieces and if they get set-pieces and free-kicks and corners, they are going to cause absolute carnage against that small PSG team.

"Physically, at set-pieces, PSG can not compete with Arsenal and if Arsenal get any type of possession and any type of free-kicks around the box, or even the halfway line, they’re going to cause damage."

While Ferdinand is confident in Arsenal’s chances, Gary Neville offered a contrasting view, insisting PSG are currently ahead of Arteta’s side in development and performance level.

"PSG are better than them, you can’t get away from that. PSG are a better team than Arsenal right now and they’ve demonstrated that over the last two seasons. It feels like the moment PSG for win it back-to-back and for Luis Enrique to put himself up there with the God-like managers who have done this."

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