Arsenal news: Bukayo Saka told to ‘toughen up’ after update on controversy – Agbonlahor
Bukayo Saka needs to “toughen up” if he wants to be a long-term success at Arsenal, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker delivered his verdict after Saka complained about being targeted during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Villa on Saturday (19 March).
The 20-year-old was on the wrong end of some tough challenges at Villa Park including one from Tyrone Mings that almost saw him sent off.
He told BT Sport after the game he had told the referee he was being targeted and wanted more protection.
Villa boss Steven Gerrard hit back via Sky Sports on Monday (21 March) insisting football is a contact sport and Saka “can’t complain about that side”.
“I totally agree with Gerrard,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“Saka is one of the best players in the Premier League and one of the best England players. I love watching him, he’s an outstanding player.
“When you played in my era and Gerrard’s era, those tackles happened every week, five or six times a game.
“Some of the players nowadays have got to toughen up a bit and get used to receiving those sorts of tackles.
“The Tyrone Mings tackle was unlucky from Mings. He’s got the ball first and the trailing foot has caught Saka. I probably had six or seven of those a game. It stings a little but you get up and you carry on.”
Saka is Arsenal’s top scorer this season with 10 goals in 33 games across all competitions.
The Hale End graduate is under contract at the Emirates until the summer of 2024.
In other news, Arsenal can expect an FA charge after controversial Alexandre Lacazette footage is analysed.