Bukayo Saka has been criticised after the star called for more protection from referees following the Gunners’ victory over last weekend.
The 20-year-old, who won the match for Mikel Arteta’s side with a first-half goal, was on the end of some strong tackles at Villa Park, particularly one from Tyrone Mings.
After the game, Saka vented his frustrations as he accused Villa players of deliberately trying to kick him.
‘I wasn’t complaining [to the referee when I was coming off] but I wanted to let him know that that’s my game,’ said the winger.
‘I’m going to run at players and sometimes I need more protection when players are purposefully trying to kick me. That’s all I was letting him know.’
Villa boss for his comments, while defending his players.
And ESPN pundits Steve Nicol and Alejandro Moreno have taken aim at Saka, with Liverpool legend Nicol insisting the Arsenal academy graduate is to blame for putting himself in situations where he can get caught by rough tackles.
‘Are you sure it was Saka that said that, or was it his mum and dad? I mean seriously, get a grip,’ Nicol told .
‘I haven’t seen people just blatantly going to try and kick this guy, he’s putting himself in situations where he’s getting caught and he is a guy who doesn’t take an awful lot to come off the field.
‘He’s had quite a few knocks where he hasn’t played the next game for two or three weeks.
‘So if that’s me my football brain is telling me, don’t put yourself in a situation where you’re going to get caught. Don’t go into a 50-50 with Tyrone Mings because he’s a stone heavier and he’s going to go through you like a knife through butter. If you’re not going to win it and use your pace to win it and get away from him, then leave it.
‘It’s about using your talent the right way, because if you don’t and you keep getting kicked, then eventually you break down completely. It’s down to him.’
Moreno added: ‘I’m going to take the side of a defender now, who reads his comments and says, “Oh, you’re a skilful player, you’re about pace, don’t you worry about it, here I come, and I’m going to make sure that when I have my chance, you’re not going to be able to use your pace or skill, and I am going to break you”.
‘When you tell people that you don’t like to get kicked and I need somebody to protect me, guess what’s going to happen, people are going to get after you.’
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