Rio Ferdinand hails Arsenal star as ‘unplayable’ after what he did vs Chelsea
Rio Ferdinand believes one Arsenal star is going under the radar on how important he is to their title chances.
Arsenal drew 1-1 at Chelsea to drop points in the Premier League, after Mikel Merino cancelled out Trevoh Chalobah’s opener.
The Gunners though remain five points clear of nearest challengers Man City, who netted in stoppage time to beat Leeds.
Mikel Arteta’s squad depth is proving beneficial, with William Saliba the latest star with an injury doubt hanging over him after missing the draw at Chelsea.
Bukayo Saka likened to Mo Salah
Bukayo Saka was pivotal against Chelsea, with his cross providing the assist for Merino to head home the equaliser.
Ferdinand likened Saka to Liverpool winger Mo Salah, and believes the 24-year-old is another important piece of Arteta’s title squad.
“When he’s on it he looks unplayable,” Ferdinand commented on Rio Ferdinand Presents [1 December].
“He’s got that strength like Mohamed Salah. He’s small in frame and size when you look at him, but do you ever see him get pushed off the ball? Especially when he’s got his back to play and get the ball side-on.
| Minutes Played | 90 |
| Shots | 3 |
| Successful Dribbles % | 67% |
| Big Chances Created | 1 |
| Duels | 10 |
“You don’t really see people take the ball off him or put him on his arse. He’s a strong little guy.
“I always think of Joleon Lescott when I watch Saka because he says, “Listen, he makes the right decision at the right time 99 per cent of the time”… he passes it when he should, he passes it longer when he should, he shoots when he should, he creates a one-vs-one when he should and he crosses when he should.
“He’s very efficient and very effective and it’s a very nice assist. He’s one of those players that if he starts coming into form at the right time of the season, anything could be possible with this Arsenal team. I think he’s that important because he’s that impactful.“
Gabriel Martinelli flops at Chelsea
Whilst Saka shone at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal fans were left unimpressed with Gabriel Martinelli’s performance at Chelsea.
Leandro Trossard’s injury was another blow to Arteta’s line-up and Martinelli did not provide the same effect he has off the bench.
Supporters were calling for Arteta to strengthen the position post-match, with Eberechi Eze having proved more influential in the number 10 role.