Steven Gerrard's Response To Bukayo Saka Asking For More Protection From Refs Was Blunt And Brutal

Steven Gerrard had a brutal response to Bukayo Saka asking for more protection from referees.

Saka scored the only goal of the game as Arsenal ran out 1-0 winners away at Aston Villa, the result moving Arsenal points four clear of fifth-place Manchester United.

The England star, who is now Arsenal's joint-top goalscorer in the Premier League this season, was on the receiving end of a strong challenge from international Tyrone Mings in the first half.

The Villa skipper played the ball first but the follow through led to Saka rolling around in agony, with Mings being shown a yellow card.

After the game, Saka told BT Sport's Des Kelly he felt Arsenal targeted him.

Saka said: "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.”

Gerrard was asked about the claim for Saka in his post-match press conference and was not having it in the slightest.

The legendary Liverpool skipper revealed he has screws in his hips after having 16 operations over the course of his glittering career.

"He’s a good player, an outstanding talent. I love him," Gerrard said.

“But he can’t complain about that side of it, 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.

"He said we were too rough? They didn’t commit any fouls today? Listen, it’s part of the game.

“The last time I checked, it wasn’t a no-contact sport. I think tackles are allowed, physicality is allowed, aggression is allowed as long as it’s fair.”

Gerrard has been criticised for take, with many feeling as though he unfairly went after Saka.

Gerrard was particularly spiky in his post-match interview with BT Sport following the Arsenal loss, telling the reporter he "expected better questions" and having a sarcastic tone with his answers.