Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may be living his second youth in Barcelona, but Arsenal are also doing good without him. The Gunners recorded another victory in the Premier League and again, Bukayo Saka was on spot, for the 7th time in 11 matches. The young winger scored the only goal in a minimal 1-0 win over Aston Villa, which solidified his team in the fourth place, reserved for the Champions League, with 4 points ahead of Manchester United and 3 over Tottenham, and a game in hand. Is this not same Steven Gerrard? pic.twitter.com/Z8vg6E3Uqi— Emmanuel Philips (@emmnyphils) March 21, 2022 The young Gunner is in line for a new and improved contract, as the club from North London is aware that other European giants, lead by Liverpool are closely monitoring their brightest jewel. The talks have opened with sporting director Edu, but Saka made it to the headlines not only because his future, or the winning goal. England international was fouled a couple of times during the gam with Aston Villa, and was seeing talking to referee Andy Madley after the game. “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” he said to BT Sport. First half pressure paid off for the Gunners, Saka saddens Aston VillaHis comments were not met by any sympathy from the opposing side, and their boss, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, especially since Villa coach knew that the Gunners had one more foul during the game (14 compared to Villa’s 13). „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 isn’t a no-contact sport. I think tackles are allowed, physicality is allowed, aggression is allowed. Saka is a good player, an outstanding talent. I love him. 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“ said Steve G. Maybe the rough Liverpudlian missed the point, as Saka was probably complaining to the referee in order to avoid Gerrard’s fate – to be all patched up in his early forties.
