Rio Ferdinand pushes back on Bukayo Saka’s title claim

With the win over Everton, Arsenal moved back to the top of the table, overtaking Manchester City who had played earlier in the day. But despite their position, not everyone agreed with how Saka framed it.

After the match, Saka spoke to Sky Sports and shared his perspective on where things stand. He said:

“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.”

Ferdinand had a different view. Speaking on his podcast Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE (28 January), he explained why he didn’t agree with Saka’s assessment.

“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 former England defender continued by criticising how Saka portrayed Arsenal’s hold on first place.

He went further:

“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.

Rio Ferdinand’s comments don’t hold up

Ferdinand didn’t hold back, but what exactly did he expect Saka to say?

In the former Manchester United defender’s view, Saka should have either stayed quiet on the subject or admitted that City’s form meant Arsenal weren’t really in control.

But neither option makes much sense. Saka had just helped Arsenal to another win that kept them top of the league, and his confidence reflected their position.

At this stage of the season, nothing is decided. There will be plenty more twists ahead before anyone can truly claim to be in control.