Mikel Arteta has perfect Arsenal response to out of touch Steven Gerrard verdict on Bukayo Saka

Watching Bukayo Saka on a football pitch is always a pleasure. He possesses the talent, confidence and spark to produce something special out of nowhere.

It's got to the point now where we all have the same high expectations for him each week, you just know that he will turn up and do what he does best more often than not.

However, as we become used to his quality and style, so does the opposition. Not for the first time this season, Saka was targeted on many occasions at the weekend to the extent that he urged for more protection from referee Andy Madley.

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"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," Saka told BT Sport following Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Aston Villa.

Tyrone Mings was booked for a sliding challenge on the youngster and it was one that caused the most concern. The defender may have won the ball initially, but a dangerous follow-through caught Saka's Achilles with studs and left him with a bloodied sock.

Thankfully, Saka had already scored what would turn out to be the only goal of the match and although he was able to continue despite receiving several knocks, Mikel Arteta made the decision to sub him off towards the end.

Villa boss Steven Gerrard was asked about Saka's post-match comments but clearly had little sympathy for the Arsenal man. "It's part of the game. The last time I checked it's not a no-contact sport. I think tackles are allowed,