Mikel Arteta disagrees with Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard's comments on Arsenal's Bukayo Saka

Mikel Arteta claims referees must "listen to players" following Bukayo Saka's complaints that he was persistently fouled in Arsenal's 1-0 win over Aston Villa at the weekend.

Saka was the match winner and the stand-out player on show at Villa Park on Saturday, as he helped the Gunners strengthen their grip on fourth place. Though, he was frustrated at a perceived lack of protection from the officials.

He told BT Sport after the full-time whistle: "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." His comments were put to Villa boss Steven Gerrard, who had little time for his plea.

"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. "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,” before adding: “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."

But Arsenal manager Arteta insists referees must do more to protect players, in the wake of Saka's argument. The Spaniard explained: "He probably gave him what he felt on the pitch. I think the refs try to do their best but we have to listen to the players. They are the reason why we’re all here."