Arsenal are top of the Premier League at Christmas following a 1-0 win over Everton, but Rio Ferdinand has pushed back against Bukayo Saka's claim that the Gunners are in control of the title race. Saka told Sky Sports: "We are back on top of the table but we aren't watching City too hard. We know if we win every week we will stay there. We are in control."
However, Ferdinand, speaking on his YouTube channel, expressed doubt over those words, reminding Arsenal of past collapses. "You have been here before and have seen your team crumble," he said. "That's why I feel that Saka can't really, genuinely be standing there and going, 'We're in control' … not when you've got that beast City hanging about."
Ferdinand also highlighted Manchester City's ability to overtake Arsenal in previous seasons, saying: "You've led the league for many months and you've seen this team come out of nowhere and blitz you. 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."
In other Arsenal news, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has questioned whether Viktor Gyokeres should have a goal bonus in his contract. The striker, who joined for £64m in the summer, has scored five league goals in 15 appearances. Hasselbaink told Ladbrokes: "If I'm the director of football at that club, and I'm in charge of contracts, then I'd be very surprised and a bit disappointed if Gyokeres is asking for a goal bonus."
The former Chelsea striker added that strikers should not have such bonuses, as they could encourage selfishness. "You're coming in for a big fee, just ask for a big contract; don't ask for a bonus for scoring goals," he said. "I'd much rather incentivise the whole team for goals scored."
