Bloodied Saka’s plea to ref

ARSENAL and England winger Bukayo Saka has asked referees to give him more protection after he limped out of yesterday’s 1-0 win at Aston Villa having scored the winning goal.

Saka is becoming the recipient of heavy treatment as his reputation grows and defender Tyrone Mings was booked for the challenge that injured him at Villa Park.

The 21-year-old approached referee Andrew Madley at the end of the game to give his point of view. ‘I wasn’t complaining but I wanted to let him know that is my game,’ said Saka. ‘I’m going to run at players, sometimes I need a bit more protection when the opposition is trying to kick me.

‘My ankle is a bit bloody but I’ll be going into the next game doing the same things.’

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said fatigue was part of the reason Saka was replaced by Nicolas Pepe midway through the second half, but he had sympathy for the player’s appeal as well.

‘We have to listen to the players. They are the reason we are all here,’ said Arteta.

‘I think referees try to do their best. Bukayo said what he felt was happening on the pitch. He has played a lot of minutes and you could tell. But he should be fine for England (on Saturday).’

Saka’s goal strengthened Arsenal’s position in fourth place but Arteta added: ‘We have to treat each game like a cup final.’