Steven Gerrard has warned Bukayo Saka he needs to toughen up after the Arsenal winger asked for more protection during the Gunners' victory over Aston Villa.
Saka told BT Sport after scoring the only goal in a 1-0 victory at Villa Park that he had talked to referee Andrew Madley about the treatment he was getting from the Villa players.
"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 said.
Tyrone Mings was booked for catching Saka late with his studs, while the England man also earned numerous free-kicks before being substituted with 20 minutes to go.
Villa boss Gerrard had little sympathy, though, saying: "It's part of the game. The last time I checked it's not a no-contact sport. I think tackles are allowed, physicality's allowed.
