All the latest from Arsenal, including Rio Ferdinand pushing back on comments from Bukayo Saka and a new verdict for Viktor Gyokeres
Arsenal are riding the crest of a wave after beating Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. The Gunners are now into the semis, where they’ll face Chelsea, as well as being top of the Premier League at Christmas.
Mikel Arteta’s side confirmed their spot at the summit after a 1-0 win at Everton last weekend, which ensures they remain two points ahead of Manchester City going into the festive fixtures. And while they might be leading the way at the moment, failure to get over the line in recent seasons may still haunt some players and fans alike.
It’s the fifth time Arsenal have topped the table on Christmas Day but lifting the crown is something that’s evaded them on the previous four occasions. Despite their 21-year trophy drought, Bukayo Saka is confident about his side’s chances – even if a former Premier League star is not.
Those comments – plus a new verdict on Viktor Gyokeres – take the focus of our Mirror Football round-up on the latest news coming out of the Emirates Stadium.
Saka’s comments questioned
Saka claimed after Saturday’s victory against Everton that Arsenal are in control in the title race, despite City’s impressive form. But Rio Ferdinand isn’t so sure.
Saka told Sky Sports: “There weren’t really any emotions in it, we take them out. We focus on our job. Since last week we focused on winning here and we did that. 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.”
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But Ferdinand thinks Saka’s comments might be a touch foolish. Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, Ferdinand saidl: “You [Arsenal] have been here before and ample crumbled! You’ve been here before and have seen your team crumble.
“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. Only minutes before, they were top of the league, above you. This team have won four on the bounce when you’ve been sitting there playing.
“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. I actually hope he [Saka] is right, I hope they do have control and they are thinking like that. I do!”
Gyokeres disappointment
It’s been a slow start to Gyokeres’ career at Arsenal The Swede has netted just five league goals in his first 15 appearances. The striker set the Gunners back £64million this past summer after a historic two-year spell at Sporting CP.
However, even his record of 97 goals in 102 games in Portugal isn’t enough to warrant the request of a goal bonus in his contract, according to ex-Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Speaking to Ladbrokes at the launch of Ladisfaction, the Dutchman said: “I’d like to think Viktor Gyokeres isn’t on a goal bonus at Arsenal.
“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.” While there is no suggestion Gyokeres is on a goal bonus at Arsenal, Hasselbaink added: “You’re coming in for a big fee, just ask for a big contract; don’t ask for a bonus for scoring goals, because that’s what you’re being brought in to do… you’re coming in to score goals, you know?
“I can understand if you’re a young striker who hasn’t proven himself yet – although I still don’t really like it. I never had that bonus in my contract. Never. It makes sense for a midfielder, or a defender maybe. But a striker? Especially one who is coming in to be your main man, who knows he’s going to play? No.
“The thing I don’t like about those bonuses is that you’ll find yourself in a position as a striker where there’s someone in a better position than you who could be guaranteed to score a goal if you pass it, but because you’ve got a goal bonus in your contract, you’re probably going to be more likely to shoot yourself. I don’t like it. I’d much rather incentivise the whole team for goals scored… a big bonus for that, rather than one for individuals.”
