Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has warned Bukayo Saka that he cannot complain about the physicality of the Premier League.
The Arsenal youngster scored the only goal of the game as the Gunners ran out 1-0 winners at Villa Park on Saturday but was on the receiving end of several tough tackles throughout the contest.
Saka urged referee Andy Madley to give him more protection from the rough challenges at half time, and he was taken off after 69 minutes in the victory over Gerrard's men.
Saka's pleas for protection did not go down well with Gerrard, though, with the Villa boss telling reporters: "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. He's a good player, he's an outstanding talent and I love him. But he can't complain about that side. 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."
Saka's ninth goal of the season has seen Arsenal consolidate their hold on fourth spot in the Premier League table, and the Gunners have reportedly opened talks with the attacker over a new contract.
Ben Knapton
