Arsenal will be hoping to end their run of three losses in four games when they take on Manchester City in a Premier League title decider on Sunday
11:06, 13 Apr 2026
Rio Ferdinand
View Image
Rio Ferdinand has had his say on Arsenal and the title race(Image: Getty Images)
Rio Ferdinand has urged Arsenal to alter their tactics ahead of facing Manchester City in this week's title decider, warning they'll "get pumped" if they don't.
The Gunners travel to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon for a fixture that could prove decisive in the Premier League title race. Mikel Arteta has yet to taste victory on the blue side of Manchester since his appointment at the Emirates Stadium.
He's previously suffered some costly defeats there, most notably in 2023 when City secured a 4-1 triumph that effectively snatched the title from Arsenal's clutches. Arteta has faced scrutiny for what some perceive as an overly cautious approach this season, with considerable emphasis on defensive stability and set-piece effectiveness.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Ferdinand maintains that Arsenal, currently enduring three defeats in four matches, must take the initiative to City on Sunday or face a heavy scoreline, eports the Mirror.
He said on his YouTube channel Rio Ferdinand Presents: "If you go there and sit back like Liverpool did at PSG the other day, it's slapsville. You're getting pumped. You can't do that. Do you win leagues doing that?"
City appeared unstoppable as they swept aside Chelsea on Sunday, merely 24 hours after Arsenal had presented them with an opportunity. Pep Guardiola's outfit emerged 3-0 victors at Stamford Bridge following Bournemouth's shock result at the Emirates - and Ferdinand believes the Cherries might offer some tactical lessons for Arteta.
He stated: "This is glaring, the way City set up to block all passing lanes, pressing high. I don't think Bournemouth went four up the pitch as glaring in exactly the same way. They were great in terms of blocking passing lanes making Arsenal having to go over it or just panic a little bit and give the ball away.
Article continues below
"I think, is that the blueprint? Bournemouth have copied it their own way. Mikel Arteta and his team haven't found an answer yet. It wasn't a good performance. At least get about and put it on some players."
Guardiola is attempting to peak at precisely the right moment with City hitting form during the crucial final stretch of the campaign. Having already secured the Carabao Cup, they're also strongly fancied to claim the FA Cup.
Welcome to 'Seeing Red' - our new Arsenal podcast
We've launched a new Arsenal podcast 'Seeing Red' with chief football writer John Cross and Arsenal reporter Tom Canton.
Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta's side every step of the way - and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture.
It's a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win silverware this season.
The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League - and they're also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
We'll provide insight and reaction - and have fun along the way - as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season.
No stone will be left unturned. VAR controversy? Poor performances? Unsung hero who deserves praise? Fixture chaos? We'll have it all covered.
Click here to view our YouTube channel
Click here to download our podcasts