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.
“He’s a good player, an outstanding talent. I love him. But he can’t complain about that side of it, that’s football,” Gerrard said of Saka after the March game.
“I’m sitting here now with screws in my hips. I’ve had about 16 operations. I’m struggling to go to the gym at the moment.
“That’s all on the back of earning a living in English football. He’ll learn and he’ll learn quick.
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“He said we were too rough? They didn’t commit any fouls today? Listen, it’s part of the game. The last time I checked, it wasn’t a no-contact sport. I think tackles are allowed, physicality is allowed, aggression is allowed as long as it’s fair.”
Arteta, like Gerrard, played hundreds of games in the Premier League. However, the Spaniard has reflected on the debate over Saka's actions and suggested some responsibility lies with the officials.
"I think Bukayo said he was not going to complain, but he wanted some consistency in the refereeing," Arteta said in a press conference. He was speaking ahead of the Gunners' upcoming Premier League game against Crystal Palace, where Saka could feature after missing England's recent games through illness.
"The only person who can protect the players is the referee because he guides the level of the game and the level of the contact and physicality that is allowed or not allowed in a football match," Arteta continued. "I think we have to protect our best players and that’s in the hands of the referee, that’s all."
By the time Arsenal kick off at Selhurst Park, they could find themselves outside the Premier League's top four. Rivals Tottenham Hotspur are three points adrift, having played an extra game, but will take on Newcastle United on Sunday while Arsenal aren't in action until Monday night.
