Rio Ferdinand issues challenge to Arsenal: Prove this to me

Rio Ferdinand has challenged Arsenal to prove their doubters wrong and underline their status as genuine Premier League title contenders this season.

The north London side were in fine form on Saturday night as they secured a thumping 5-1 win at West Ham United to keep to within three points of Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Arsenal have come in for plenty of criticism in recent seasons for failing to win the Premier League title since their famous unbeaten triumph in the 2003-04 season.

The Gunners ended up second in the table and 10 points behind eventual champions Leicester City last season.

Arsene Wenger’s men also won the FA Cup in 2014 and 2015 to end their long wait for a major trophy.

However, former Manchester United defender Ferdinand feels that there are still doubts about the Gunners and challenged Wenger’s men to prove him wrong after Saturday’s win at West Ham.

Speaking to BT Sport, Ferdinand said: “There are doubts about this Arsenal team because of the past.

“Prove us wrong. This squad of players has to prove us wrong.”

MORE: The latest Arsenal news and views

MORE: The latest Arsenal player tweets

Arsenal take on FC Basel in the Champions League on Tuesday night.