Steven Gerrard was left unimpressed by Bukayo Saka’s complaints of rough tackling from home players in Arsenal’s 1-0 win away at Aston Villa. The England international scored the winner after half-an-hour but came off after 69 minutes due to a hip issue, Mikel Arteta said. After the game, the youngster accused Villa players of “purposely” trying to kick him prior to his substitution. These comments didn’t go down well with Gerrard, however, who was taken aback by Saka’s judgement.
Steven Gerrard stated: “[Saka] said we were too rough? And they didn’t commit any fouls today? Listen, it’s part of the game. The last time I checked it’s not a no contact sport. I think tackles are allowed, I think aggression is allowed, I think physicality is allowed. He’s a good player, he’s an outstanding talent, I love him, but he can’t complain about that side. That’s football. Referring to his own battle scars from his time at the top level, I’m sitting here now with screws in my hips, I’ve had about 16 operations. I’m struggling to go the gym at the moment and that’s all off the back of earning a living in English football. He’ll learn and he’ll learn quick. Unless they change it to a no contact sport, which I don’t think they will.”
Some Arsenal players were aggrieved that Tyrone Mings’ challenge on Saka during the game was deemed nothing more than a yellow card offence after it was reviewed by VAR. Arteta stayed placid in his response when asked about the incident post-game, but admitted that the knock taken by Saka in the coming-together prompted him to take him off with 20 minutes to go.
Steven Gerrard said: “I haven’t seen it on video. My impression in the game with the reaction the players had is that they had to review it on VAR. They said that they reviewed it so it’s done.”
When asked if indeed he did take Saka off because of the tackle,
Steven Gerrard replied: “Yes, but the decision has been made we can’t change it.”
Arsenal are now the favourites to claim the final Champions League spot, having not played in the competition since the 2016/17 season.
