Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called for protection for the "best players" after the war of words between Bukayo Saka and Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard.
Saka scored the winning goal in Arsenal's victory at Aston Villa before the international break, but the 20-year-old also felt he was targeted by Villa's defenders. “ I wasn’t complaining to the ref, but I just wanted to let him know that that’s my game running at players with pace and sometimes I need a bit more protection when players are purposefully trying to kick me,” the England international said after the game.
Gerrard didn't take too kindly to the comments, however, suggesting what Saka went through was part and parcel of the game. However, as Arteta's team prepare for a return to league action on Monday night, the Arsenal boss has hit back at his Villa counterpart.
