{
  "id": 648309,
  "title": "EPL: ‘No disrespect’ – Rio Ferdinand makes claim on Arsenal title, Rodri",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/epl-no-disrespect-rio-ferdinand-makes-claim-on-arsenal-title-rodri",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-12T08:40:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/12/epl-no-disrespect-rio-ferdinand-makes-claim-on-arsenal-title-rodri/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has asserted that Manchester City would have secured the Premier League title that Arsene Wenger's Arsenal claimed in May. Ferdinand took to his podcast to make the claim, suggesting that midfielder Rodri's absence due to injury throughout last season was the key factor in the title battle. The Spaniard missed 17 Premier League matches because of injuries, hindering City's chances in the title race. Ferdinand stated, \"Can we just talk about Manchester City, please?\" acknowledging the club's loss of manager Pep Guardiola and the potential impact of Rodri's absence. He further said, \"If Rodri started and played every game last season and didn't have that injury, Man City would have won the Premier League. No disrespect to Arsenal, but if Rodri played ten more games, Man City would have won the league.\" Ferdinand concluded by stating that Arsenal's best move in the transfer market this summer would be to sign Rodri, who would undoubtedly become the best addition to the team.",
  "summary": "Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Manchester City would have won the Premier League title ahead of Arsenal last season had midfielder Rodri been available for the entire campaign. In May, Arsenal won their first Premier League title in 22 years as they finished seven points clear of Man City in manager Pep […] EPL: ‘No disrespect’ – Rio Ferdinand makes claim on Arsenal…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}