The situation is evolving – Rio Ferdinand supports Arsenal’s ‘youthful and ambitious’ team for winning trophies following their milestone in the Champions League.

The players of Arsenal were in jubilant spirits as they celebrated their victory over FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg. The match-winning save from Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya in the penalty shootout secured their place in the quarter-finals, a feat they haven’t achieved in 14 years.

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes that Arsenal’s fortunes are changing under manager Mikel Arteta. He has backed the young and improving Gunners side to win silverware. Arsenal’s strong performances in both domestic and European competitions this season have caught Ferdinand’s attention.

Ferdinand expressed his excitement about Arsenal’s progress, stating, “It’s a young team, they haven’t done this together as a group. When you’re together and you start getting over certain hurdles that you thought – can we, can’t we – and you go past one…you see the celebrations there.”

He acknowledged that some may criticize Arsenal for only reaching the quarter-finals, but Ferdinand understands the significance of overcoming such hurdles. He believes that the dynamics at Arsenal are changing and once they get their hands on silverware, they will be a force to be reckoned with.

Arsenal’s collapse in the previous season dashed their hopes of winning the Premier League title. However, this season they find themselves sitting at the top of the table, level on points with Liverpool and one point ahead of Manchester City. Their upcoming clash against City on March 31 is highly anticipated.

Ferdinand senses something special happening at Arsenal, stating, “They’ve got a really young, hungry looking team. They had a big disappointment last year. That has to hurt. But you’re thinking – what have you learned? Have you learned now how you’re going to change that narrative.”

Former West Ham and Chelsea player Joe Cole, who is also a pundit for TNT Sports, agrees with Ferdinand’s assessment. He believes that Arsenal are in fine form and hopes to see them and Manchester City avoid each other in the quarter-final draw, giving British clubs a chance to reach the final.

Both Cole and Ferdinand have experienced the intensity of an all-English Champions League final, with Cole’s Chelsea suffering a penalty shootout defeat to Ferdinand’s Manchester United in 2008. Despite the stress they endured, they believe that an all-English final would be a thrilling spectacle for viewers.

As Arsenal continue their quest for silverware, the football world eagerly awaits their next move in the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League.