Saka has won 43 fouls, making him the 9th most fouled player this season in PL, he is also the 6th most fouled player in the final third
By Kehinde Okeowo
Aston Villa gaffer, Steven Gerrard, has defended his players and hit back at Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka, after the youngster asked referees for more protection, following his rough treatment in the Gunners’ 1-0 win over the Clarets at the weekend.
Saka scored the only goal of the match as Arsenal defeated Aston Villa at Villa Park and extended their lead over Man United in 5th to four points on the log table.
However, the 20-year-old winger was unimpressed with some of the tackles from Aston Villa’s players during the clash and protested to the referee, Andrew Madley.
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He went on to stress his frustrations, as he once again made the remark during his interview after the game.
He said: “I was not complaining, but I wanted to let him know that is my game, I am going to run at players.
“Sometimes I need a bit more protection when players are purposely trying to kick me. That is all I was letting him know.”
Reacting to the accusation, Steven Gerrard who is a legend of the game said Saka should not be complaining about tackles, as it is part of what football is about.
“He said we were too rough? They didn’t commit any fouls today?” Gerrard said at his post-match press conference.
He added, “Listen, it’s part of the game.
“The last time I checked, it isn’t a no-contact sport. I think tackles are allowed, physicality is allowed, aggression is allowed.
“He [Saka] is a good player, an outstanding talent. I love him. But he can’t complain about that side of it. That is football.”
He also said he had 16 operations during his playing days, and advised Saka to be ready to face such tackles in his career as a striker.
“I am sitting here now with screws in my hips. I have had about 16 operations. I am struggling to go to the gym at the moment. That is all on the back of earning a living in English football. He’ll learn and he’ll learn quickly.” Gerrard concluded.
Bukayo Saka has won 43 fouls, making him the 9th most fouled player in the Premier League this season, he is also the 6th most fouled player around the opposition box, as 15 of the infringements were committed in the final third.
