Arsenal’s impressive start to the Premier League season has caught the attention of many, including former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand. Following the Gunners’ recent victory over West Ham and captain Martin Odegaard’s injury, Ferdinand highlighted Eberechi Eze as a critical summer acquisition — one that manager Mikel Arteta will be “thanking God” he made.
Eze Steps Up as Odegaard Faces Time Out
Arsenal climbed to the top of the Premier League table after a commanding 2-0 win against West Ham, continuing their strong early-season form with five wins, one draw, and just one defeat. However, the win came at a cost, with playmaker Martin Odegaard suffering a medial collateral ligament injury that has ruled him out of Norway’s international fixtures.
In Odegaard’s absence, summer signing Eberechi Eze is expected to step into the creative midfield role. According to Rio Ferdinand, this is precisely why Arsenal’s summer strategy was spot-on.
Ferdinand: “Arteta Will Be Thanking God for Eze”
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand lauded Arsenal’s recruitment strategy, particularly the addition of Eze from Crystal Palace. The ex-England international believes Eze is the ideal player to cover for Odegaard — and even compete for a regular starting role.
“I think Mikel Arteta is sitting there saying, ‘Thank God we went and got Eze,’” Ferdinand said. “The board backed him, and now he’s got a ready-made replacement. I don’t think he’d have thrown in youngsters like Nwaneri or Dowman just yet.”
Ferdinand added that Eze and Odegaard could even feature together in the same lineup, offering Arteta tactical flexibility and more attacking threat.
Arsenal’s Squad Depth Impresses Ferdinand
The Gunners’ activity in the summer transfer window was extensive. Alongside Eze, they secured the services of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres, Cristhian Mosquera, and Piero Hincapie — significantly bolstering their squad depth.
Ferdinand believes that this depth now makes Arsenal one of the most formidable teams in the Premier League.
“Arsenal probably have the best depth in the league right now,” he said. “It’s an intimidating squad when everyone is fit. They’ve got physicality, technical ability, and players who can hurt you all over the pitch.”
Time to Deliver, Says Ferdinand
With Arsenal finishing as runners-up in the past three seasons, Ferdinand believes this could finally be their year — but only if they capitalize on their squad strength and finish the job.
“They’ve got to get it done this season,” he insisted. “You don’t have the best squad in the league and walk away empty-handed again.”
Odegaard Injury Update
Following Saturday’s match, Arsenal confirmed that Odegaard sustained a knee injury that will keep him sidelined during the international break. The club released an official statement:
“Martin Odegaard has been withdrawn from the Norway national team… after sustaining a medial collateral ligament injury to his left knee. He will continue to be assessed and treated by our medical team.”
The timeline for Odegaard’s return remains uncertain, but Arsenal will be hoping for a swift recovery as they push for their first Premier League title since 2004.
