Rio Ferdinand had something to say about Bukayo Saka’s comments after Arsenal’s win over Everton.
Saka was very impressive against Everton, being behind almost every positive action that came from the Gunners’ attack.
Though the Arsenal academy product’s performance was top-notch, two Manchester United icons have had a bone to pick with the winger.
Firstly, Wayne Rooney thought Saka was wrong to give Viktor Gyokeres the penalty, and now, Rio Ferdinand has a problem relating to what happened post-match.
Fill the blanks: If Arsenal didn’t have Bukayo Saka, they’d finish __ in the Premier League this season.
Rio Ferdinand thinks Bukayo Saka was wrong to say Arsenal are in control of the title race
Arsenal’s win confirmed they will sit top of the table on Christmas Day, reclaiming the top spot from Manchester City, who played earlier in the day.
After the win, Saka was interviewed by Sky Sports, where he made the following comment about the title race.
“We just know we’re focused on our job, since last week we were focused on winning here, and we did that today, so we’re back on top of the table.
“But we’re not watching City too much or the other teams, we just know we’re in control now, and when we win every week, we’ll stay there.”
Do you agree with Paul Merson? Let us know how confident you feel about the title race.
Fair comments, right? Well, Ferdinand didn’t think so.
Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the six-time Premier League winner made it clear that he strongly disagreed with Saka’s words.
“That’s why I feel that Saka can’t really genuinely be standing there going, ‘We’re in control’. Not when you’ve got that beast [Haaland] hanging about. Do you know what I mean?” Ferdinand said.
The Englishman continued by ranting about how wrong Saka was to merely state that Arsenal are in control of the title race, as is expected for the team at the top of the table.
“Only minutes before, they were top of the league above you. Like this team of back-to-back, they’ve won four on the bounce when you’ve been sitting there playing,” Ferdinand continued.
“You’ve led the league for many months, and you’ve seen this team come out of nowhere and then blitz you.
“Like, so to feel that you’re feeling in control right now, given what you’ve been through with them and the heartache that they’ve given you, I think that’s probably the wrong words.”
Ferdinand’s complaint is completely unfair to Saka
Ferdinand wasn’t prepared to hold back on his thoughts, but it must be asked: what did he expect Saka to say?
In the Man United icon’s opinion, the Arsenal star should’ve either refrained from commenting on the title race or stated that, actually, Arsenal aren’t in control because of Man City’s form.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  ArsenalArsenal | 17 | 12 | 3 | 2 | 31 | 10 | 21 | 39 |
| 2 |  Manchester CityManchester City | 17 | 12 | 1 | 4 | 41 | 16 | 25 | 37 |
| 3 |  Aston VillaAston Villa | 17 | 11 | 3 | 3 | 27 | 18 | 9 | 36 |
| 4 |  ChelseaChelsea | 17 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 29 | 17 | 12 | 29 |
Both suggestions only emphasise how bizarre Ferdinand’s reaction was.
Saka was right, Arsenal are in fact in control for now, possessing the spot in the table that every club desires.
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