Pundit issues warning to Bukayo Saka after Aston Villa v Arsenal comments

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has ‘made himself a target’ after speaking out about Aston Villa’s physicality in Arsenal’s recent win at Villa Park. That’s according to former England defender and pundit Danny Mills, who thinks that Saka could now be on the receiving end of more treatment from opponents in the future.

Saka, who has been in excellent form this season and who scored the winner for the Gunners in the narrow 1-0 win prior to the international break, was the subject of a challenge from Villa captain Tyrone Mings who was consequently booked. Speaking to referee Andy Madley after the game, he made clear his own point of view.

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

That was a stance which Villa boss Steven Gerrard took issue with. Gerrard pointed to his own experiences, which have prompted plenty of surgery on his part, and suggested that Saka, who he is a fan of, would just have to get used to such treatment from opposing players.

“It’s part of the game,” Gerrard said. “The last time I checked, it’s not a no-contact sport. I think tackles are allowed; physicality’s allowed. He’s a good player, he’s an outstanding talent, and I love him, but he can’t complain about that side. That’s football.

“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.”

Mills, who was Gerrard’s teammate in the England