English Premier League
“Not City, not Liverpool” – Ola Aina picks Arsenal as most challenging side in PL top 6
By Monsurah Olatunji
Nigerian international Ola Aina, a key defender for Nottingham Forest, has named Arsenal as the toughest opponent in the Premier League, ahead of other heavyweights like Manchester City and Liverpool.
Aina, who has been instrumental in helping the Tricky Trees maintain one of the league’s best defensive records, discussed the challenges of facing the Premier League’s elite teams.
After 28 appearances this season, the Nigerian international has faced some of the best teams in the world but insists that Arsenal poses a unique challenge.
“They’re both direct teams, but Liverpool are direct in a way that it’s one-two-three passes and they’re in your box. It almost feels like a basketball game,” Aina saud during an interview on The Inside Scoop Podcast, comparing Liverpool’s attacking style to that of Arsenal.
However, when it comes to the most difficult team to face, Aina reserved special praise for the Gunners.
“Arsenal, on the other hand, is so hard to explain—you have to be on the pitch,” Aina added.
“When they’re passing it, it looks like they’re just doing side to side, but they’re probing. There’s balls in behind, flicks and stuff, players are changing positions constantly and that’s tough [to deal with].”
The Super Eagles full-back also shared his thoughts on Manchester City’s methodical approach to attacking.
“With [Manchester] City, you can always get a little breather because it’s in front of you, it’s side to side, they’re more patient. That’s the difference,” he said. “For me, playing against Arsenal is long.”
