Rio Ferdinand shot down Martin Keown after the Arsenal legend argued that Mikel Arteta’s side are “potential winners” of the Champions League this season.
The Manchester United icon was speaking after Arsenal booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
The Gunners were 1-0 down on aggregate heading into their round of 16 second leg against Porto at the Emirates on Tuesday night.
Leandro Trossard scored a vital winner to take the tie into extra-time and Arsenal ended up beating Porto 4-2 in a penalty shootout to advance in the competition.
Goalkeeper David Raya has been lauded after saving two penalties to help his team progress in Europe and Keown suggested Arsenal are “potential winners” after their “really big night” against Porto.
“What it means is momentum. It means that Arsenal now go into that Manchester City game full of confidence,” Keown told TNT Sports.
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“You know what they have achieved, six trophies last year, it’s the ultimate test. But they go there now really confident and in good form.
“I think it would have been a bit of a downer if they had lost tonight and gone into the City game. This keeps it ticking along beautifully, the players, they grow from it, there is a lot of confidence now and it’s a really big night where they can feel like potential winners.”
Ferdinand interrupted, saying: “A bit early man, don’t go there man. Let’s not go there, Martin. It’s too early.”
Club legend Thierry Henry meanwhile acknowledged that it was always “going to be difficult against Porto” but he thought this tie was going to be a “bit easier”.
“It does feel good. I told you, It doesn’t matter how, we had to go
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