Mikel Arteta has warned Bukayo Saka that he cannot rely on referees to shield him from rough treatment, insisting: ‘The first one who has to protect Bukayo is himself.’ Saka reacted angrily during Arsenal’s victory over Aston Villa last week, shoving Philippe Coutinho following another hefty challenge.
Ahead of Saturday's visit to Leicester, where Arsenal can stretch their lead to five points, Arteta suggested Saka relishes the physical ‘challenge’ posed by defenders. But the manager reminded the 21-year-old of the dangers of losing his temper.
‘There’s many ways to (protect yourself) on a football pitch – within the rules – and he needs to learn and improve that.