Steven Gerrard tells Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka to toughen up

Steven Gerrard shifted a little uncomfortably in his seat. Maybe it was the tone of the question or just the metal screws in his hips.

The Aston Villa boss had just been informed of Bukayo Saka’s post-match TV interview in which the Arsenal match-winner revealed that he asked referee Andy Madley for a ‘bit more protection when the opposition is trying to kick me’.

‘He said we were too rough? They didn’t commit any fouls today?’ replied Gerrard incredulously, perhaps already aware Arsenal had edged the foul count 14-13.

ASTON VILLA (4-3-3): Martinez 6.5; Cash 6, Konsa 6, Mings 6.5, Young 5; McGinn 7, Luiz 6.5, J Ramsey 5 (Bailey 69min, 6); Buendia 5.5 (Traore 69, 6), Watkins 6.5 (Ings 82), Coutinho 5. Booked: Ramsey, Mings, McGinn. Manager: Steven Gerrard 6.

ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Leno 6.5; Soares 7, White 6.5, Gabriel 6, Tierney 6.5; Partey 7, Xhaka 6; Saka 8 (Pepe 69), Odegaard 7 (Holding 86), Smith Rowe 7; Lacazette 6 (Nketiah 78). Scorer: Saka 30. Booked: Xhaka, Soares, Partey. Manager: Mikel Arteta 7.

Referee: Andy Madley 6. 

Attendance: 41,956.

Gerrard is not a man to go to in search of sympathy on these matters. He was full-blooded as a player and expects the same from his team as a manager.

‘Listen, it’s part of the game,’ he added.

‘The last time I checked, it isn’t a no-contact sport. I think tackles are allowed, physicality is allowed, aggression is allowed.

‘He (Saka) is a good player, an outstanding talent. I love him. But he can’t complain about that side of it. That’s football.

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‘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