Rio Ferdinand delivered a robust analysis of Chelsea’s display against Arsenal in north London, as their European qualification hopes were dealt a blow in a 5-0 mauling at the Emirates. It concluded a sobering four days for Chelsea, who followed up Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final exit against Manchester City with this defeat at the Emirates to end an eight-match unbeaten run in the Premier League. Rio Ferdinand delivered a robust analysis of Chelsea’s display against Arsenal in north London, as their European qualification hopes were dealt a blow in a 5-0 mauling at the Emirates. It concluded a sobering four days for Chelsea, who followed up Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final exit against Manchester City with this defeat at the Emirates to end an eight-match unbeaten run in the Premier League. Ferdinand was reflecting on Arsenal’s third goal on the night which saw Gabriel tangle with Noni Madueke, before Havertz fired The Gunners 3-0 in front.
“It’s a foul, but I don’t think Chelsea deserved to get anything out of this game,” Ferdinand told TNT Sports.
“They [Chelsea] were second best and this was men against boys.
“Yes, Chelsea had a young team, but it doesn’t always play out that way, as sometimes young players come out with a bit of fearlessness.
“They’ve been good in big games in recent weeks, but today I thought they were way off it. No Palmer. They were men against boys and got absolutely destroyed today.”
Meanwhile, the feel-good factor is firmly back with Mikel Arteta’s side after they moved three points clear at the top of the table.
The Gunners have now only lost one of their previous 14 league games ahead of the north London derby away at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
It is a result which lays down the gauntlet for title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City, who are in action against Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.