Rio Ferdinand was so confident that Manchester City would be crowned champions that it rendered Bukayo Saka’s Arsenal absence meaningless.
The Gunners academy graduate was ruled out of Sunday’s clash with Everton with a muscle injury. It was a big blow for Mikel Arteta ’s men given the form Saka has shown this season.
Ferdinand, however, wasn’t too convinced. The former Manchester United defender suggested that the winger’s injury wasn’t too damaging as City were set to win the title anyway.
Speaking on TNT Sport, Ferdinand said: “It’s huge news [Saka’s absence]. Martinelli is a fantastic replacement, but Saka has been the go to guy at the club for a few years now. I still don’t see it having an effect on the result to be honest.”
The new shirt has returned the Gunners to their roots placing a stripped-down, elegant-looking canon right over the heart of the new shirt. Shirt manufacturers Adidas have produced a “clean and minimal” and the design “embraces modernity, while honouring Arsenal’s rich heritage.
Saka has been in scintillating form for Arsenal this season. He had scored 20 goals and provided 14 assists in all competitions.
Saka was replaced by Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli in the Arsenal side. Giving an update ahead of the game, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: “Unfortunately he picked up a small muscle injury in training and he wasn’t available to play. Fortunately, we have some great players and Martinelli steps in and we need to win anyway.”
He then doubled his afternoon’s work with another strike. The Hammers halved the deficit before half time, with Arsenal responding to their own early setback against Everton to go in at 1-1.
Away from the Premier League title race, Saka will certainly be hoping to be fit in time for the upcoming Euros this summer. Gareth Southgate is expected to name his expanded England squad a couple of days after the Premier League’s final day.
When it comes to Saka and the Three Lions, Ferdinand has previously claimed that the Arsenal star is “not world class.” Speaking in February, he said: “Not yet. Listen, I think Saka’s been unreal. I actually think he needs a bit of a rest, so many games for a young kid.
“But I think, it’s almost like what is world-class? He hasn’t done it in the Champions League, has he? I’m talking in the nitty-gritty stages. Saka’s top, don’t get me wrong. He’s not world-class yet.”
