‘Nobody is asking’: Rio Ferdinand reacts after Arsenal’s 4-1 rout of Newcastle

Manchester United legend-turned-pundit Rio Ferdinand made a good point following Arsenal’s 4-1 Premier League win over Newcastle United yesterday.

The Gunners continued their fantastic run of league form in 2024. They registered their sixth straight victory since the turn of the year with another resounding display.

The north London giants comfortably beat the Magpies by a 4-1 scoreline. The margin of victory could have been wider with the chances created by Mikel Arteta’s side.

They have now netted a stunning 25 goals from their last six games while conceding just thrice.

This has substantially increased their goal difference from 17 to 39. Speaking after the game, Ferdinand said that nobody is asking where the number nine is for Arsenal.

The former United star said that the team is functioning and scoring at the moment and Arsenal have become a very efficient unit since returning from the winter break.

He told TNT Sports (via BBC Sport): “Nobody is asking where the number nine is and that happens when the team is functioning and scoring.”

“Arsenal have become a very efficient team and unit right now.”

The Gunners had a poor end to 2023 with back-to-back derby defeats to West Ham United and Fulham. They also lost the FA Cup third round tie versus Liverpool at home.

The club were dreadful in front of goal at the time. They had managed to score just once during that period despite having an xG of more than seven, as per Squawka.

This led to suggestions that Arsenal needed to spend on a marquee striker in January, but Arteta and his team have proved everyone wrong with the current run of form.

They have been scoring for fun with 25 goals from six league outings. Teams have also been unable to handle their high pressing. Newcastle were outclassed yesterday.

Their only setback has been the 1-0 loss to Porto in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, but they have the chance to put things right at the Emirates next month.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com