Arsenal would face off with Aston Villa in Saturday’s only Premier League fixture.
Arsenal headed into the game sitting 4th in the Premier League, looking to extend their advantage over the rest of the top-four chasing sides.
And the north Londoners were just about able to do so, earning a 1-0 win over Steven Gerrard’s side thanks to a 30th-minute strike from Bukayo Saka, which also happened to be Arsenal’s 2000th Premier League goal.
Bukayo Saka strikes for Arsenal 🔥
That’s double figures in terms of goals this season as he gives Arsenal the lead at Villa Park! pic.twitter.com/paOIYCiUj3
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 19, 2022
Gerrard sends message to Saka
Following the game, Saka confirmed he has spoken to the referee about having some more protection from challenges:
“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.
However, Steven Gerrard has since responded to the comments and told Saka he cannot complain about the physical side of the game:
Gerrard on Saka: He’s a good player, he’s an outstanding talent, I love him, but he can’t complain about that [physical] side… I’m sitting here now with screws in my hips, I’ve had about 16 operations,.., and that’s all off the back of earning a living in English football.
— James Benge (@jamesbenge) March 20, 2022
