Bukayo Saka’s post-match comments following Arsenal’s narrow 1-0 win over Everton have sparked debate, with Rio Ferdinand openly questioning the winger’s choice of words. The victory at Goodison Park sent Arsenal back to the top of the Premier League, but Saka’s calm assertion that they are in control raised a few eyebrows.
SoftFootball reported how the Gunners had to dig deep in a tense and physical contest to edge past Everton, a result that was far from comfortable.
Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Ferdinand admitted in a video shared on the official X account that he felt Saka’s comment might have missed the mark. While Arsenal had secured three vital points, the former Manchester United defender pointed to the wider title picture.
Watch the video below:
The discussion came hours before Arsenal also showed their composure in cup competition, holding their nerve to reach the EFL Cup semi-finals, as detailed by SoftFootball. He referenced the pressure of rivals who are quietly building momentum, something Arsenal know all too well from recent seasons.
He said:
Saka can’t really genuinely be standing there going, we’re in control. Not when you’ve got that beast hanging about. They’ve won four on the bounce.
Joel Beya offered a different angle, suggesting Saka’s words were less about league tables and more about mindset. In his view, Saka genuinely believes in projecting confidence, even when the margins are thin.
He said:
Bukayo has a different mindset. I really genuinely do believe that. I think it’s how you choose to see things.
Ferdinand went further, reminding listeners of past campaigns where Arsenal led for long stretches, only to be overtaken by relentless challengers.
He said:
You’ve led the league for many months and you’ve seen this team come out of nowhere and then 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.
He described the psychological weight of seeing a rival go on a long winning run, calling it something players never truly forget. Still, he softened his stance by saying he hoped Saka was right, adding that belief can sometimes shift outcomes.
He said:
I actually hope he’s right. I hope they do have control and they are thinking like that.
The back and forth reflected a familiar split between optimism and realism that often follows Arsenal during title races.
The debate also ties into Saka’s growing stature at the club. The England international has increasingly spoken like a leader, a role reinforced by his confidence about Arsenal’s title chances this season, something SoftFootball recently highlighted.
With his importance underlined by a landmark new contract that made him the club’s highest earner, Saka’s words now carry extra weight.
Whether Arsenal are truly in control remains to be seen. What is clear is that Saka’s mindset, questioned or not, reflects a squad trying to think differently this time around.
