What Bukayo Saka told the referee after ending Aston Villa vs Arsenal clash with a bloody ankle
Arsenal’s match-winning goal After Saturday’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa, Bukayo Saka approached referee Andrew Madley.
Saka had a productive afternoon, scoring his ninth Premier League goal of the season to secure a potentially crucial three points.
It was, however, an unpleasant experience at times.
Saka was fouled three times, including a harsh challenge by Tyrone Mings in the first half, for which the Villa center-back received a yellow card.
Saka, 20, claimed in a post-match interview with BT Sport that he ended the game with a bloodied ankle.
Discussing his conversation with the ref, Saka explained: “I wasn’t complaining but I wanted to let him know that is my game – I’m going to run at players.
“Sometimes I need a bit more protection when players are purposely trying to kick me. That’s all I was letting him know.”
“That’s a very big win, it means so much.”
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 19, 2022
“Champions League is the goal, but we have to stay humble.”
Class on and off the pitch, Bukayo Saka reflects on Arsenal’s win at Villa Park 👏
🎙 @TheDesKelly pic.twitter.com/1FYTCZ6xo4
Saka has been fouled 43 times this season in the Premier League.
Only Wilfried Zaha (72), Ivan Toney (59), Jordan Ayew (57), John McGinn (53), Conor Gallagher (45), Tariq Lamptey (45), Mar Aarons (44) and Richarlison (44) have received more EPL fouls in 2021/22. (44).
Arsenal moved six points ahead of rivals Tottenham following their win at Villa Park.
The Gunners are favorites to finish fourth in the Premier League and qualify for next season’s Champions League, according to Martin Keown.
“That’s a very big win, it means so much,” Saka added. “Champions League is the goal, but we have to stay humble.”
ALSO READ:
- Declan Rice has already played his last game for club as exit confirmed by West Ham owners
- Man Utd flop makes XI Saudi team of the season as Cristiano Ronaldo brutally snubbed
- David Beckham’s Inter Miami eye move for Man Utd flop to join Lionel Messi
- Mateo Kovacic confirms he is set to leave Chelsea this summer
- Eden Hazard ‘plans to retire after ripping up his Real Madrid contract early
- New Nike Tottenham Hotspur 2023/24 home kit revealed with Harry Kane summer transfer hint
- Ex-Chelsea player becomes the first player in history to win all three UEFA club competition
What Bukayo Saka told the referee after ending Aston Villa vs Arsenal clash with a bloody ankle
