Arsène Wenger has questioned whether Bukayo Saka genuinely believed what he was saying when he suggested Arsenal still felt in ‘control’ of the Premier League title race despite Manchester City’s resurgence.
The league leaders have steadied themselves after a brief wobble in the top flight, during which points were dropped against Sunderland, Chelsea and Aston Villa.
Back-to-back victories over Wolves and Everton allowed the Gunners to re-establish a two-point lead at the summit ahead of their next fixture at home to a struggling Brighton side.
However, that advantage had stood at seven points just a month earlier, and both Manchester City and Aston Villa have since threatened to close the gap, riding impressive winning streaks during the winter period.
“There weren’t really any emotions in it, we take them out. We focus on our job,” Saka told Sky Sports after Arsenal’s narrow 1-0 win at Everton last weekend.
“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.”
But Wenger, who knows the pressures of a title race better than most, has expressed reservations about Saka’s choice of words, given Arsenal’s recent history in similar situations.
According to the former Arsenal manager, it would be entirely natural for players to feel the presence of Manchester City looming large at this stage of the season.
“You have to remember that Arsenal have been in this position before and suffered disappointment,” Wenger said while analysing the title race.
“That’s why I find it difficult to fully accept the idea of ‘control’ when you know Manchester City are behind you. They are a team with enormous experience, quality and belief.”
Wenger suggested that City’s relentless consistency makes it almost impossible for any rival to feel truly comfortable.
“Only a short time ago, City were above Arsenal. They have the habit of going on long winning runs, and when they do that, the psychological pressure on everyone else increases,” he explained.
“You can dominate the league for months, but this City side can arrive late and still overwhelm you. That is why the word ‘control’ is a very delicate one in a title race.”
While Wenger said he hopes Saka’s confidence is justified, he believes caution is essential.
“I hope Bukayo is right, I truly do. I hope Arsenal feel strong mentally and can sustain that belief. But from experience, control is something you earn only at the very end,” he added.
Although Arsenal have shown they can win matches without being at their best, Wenger feels the situation remains finely balanced.
“The moment City win convincingly, you immediately feel the pressure return,” Wenger continued. “You think, ‘We must respond, we must regain some control.’”
He acknowledged Arsenal’s growing maturity but stressed that momentum can shift rapidly.
“Arsenal can control games better now, that is clear. But the title race itself is unpredictable. Momentum will swing until the final weeks,” he said.
“With City scoring freely, with Haaland chasing records again, nothing will come easily.”
Wenger also pointed to Pep Guardiola’s demanding standards as a factor that makes City so dangerous, even when they are winning comfortably.
“When Pep publicly challenges his players after big wins, it sends a message,” Wenger explained. “It shows hunger, and that is intimidating for rivals.”
Despite his admiration for City’s quality, Wenger admitted he would prefer to see a different champion this season.
“Football needs variety,” he said. “It is always good when a new team can go all the way and finish the job.”
For Arsenal, Wenger believes belief must be matched with focus and humility if they are to finally turn promise into silverware.