'Bang average' - Ferdinand gives honest verdict on Man City, Arsenal title race

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has shared his thoughts on the Premier League title race between Arsenal and Manchester City.

After a formidable start to the season, Arsenal have seen their lead at the top of the table shrink, having dropped points in three of their last five matches. This recent dip in form has allowed their rivals to close the gap.

Mikel Arteta's squad was held to a 2-2 draw by Sunderland early last month and later failed to secure a win against a ten-man Chelsea side. Their second loss of the campaign came on Saturday in a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, sealed by a dramatic late goal from Emiliano Buendia.

This string of results leaves Arsenal just two points clear of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City and three ahead of Aston Villa, who are managed by former Gunners boss Unai Emery.

Rio Ferdinand on title race

Despite this recent wobble, Ferdinand, who won six league titles with Manchester United, remains confident in Arsenal's ability to lift the trophy. However, he pointed out two areas of concern for the North London club.

"Arsenal are only two points above Man City, who have been bang average this season, and three above Aston Villa," Ferdinand stated on his YouTube channel. "Arsenal fans are so up and down, it’s unbelievable. I still think Arsenal will win the league. I do."

He added, "They’re making hard work of it now, but what team doesn’t go through those spells at some point? The injuries are killing Arsenal, but I still think they win the title.

"Arsenal fans are so up and down, which is understandable because they’ve been starved of success. But I think they get over the line and it could be the start of something special for that team."

Following a midweek Champions League fixture against Club Brugge, Arsenal will look to get their domestic campaign back on track when they face bottom-of-the-table Wolves on Saturday.