'A bit bloody' - Arsenal star Bukayo Saka reveals referee demand after Aston Villa tackles

Bukayo Saka asked referee Andy Madley for more protection after his side beat Aston Villa.

The young forward found himself under a barrage of challenges as Villa looked to salvage an equaliser from the Premier League tie. Saka says he was left with a "bloody ankle" following one challenge and approached the referee at the end of the game.

Villa were digging for a goal after Saka put the visitors to Villa Park 1-0 up after half an hour. He caused Villa problems, which led to him getting a lot of kicks to the ankles for his trouble, he feels.

"I wasn’t complaining but I wanted to let him know that is my game," Saka said. "I’m going to run at players, sometimes I need a bit more protection when the opposition is trying to kick me. My ankle is a bit bloody but I’ll be going into the next game doing the same things."