Mikel Arteta insists Bukayo Saka has to ‘protect himself’ from rough treatment from opponents

Mikel Arteta has warned Bukayo Saka that he cannot depend on the referees to protect him from harsh treatment and insists: ‘The first one who has to protect Bukayo is himself.’ Saka reacted angrily during Arsenal’s win over Aston Villa last week, shoving Philippe Coutinho after another strong challenge.

Ahead of Saturday’s visit to Leicester, where Arsenal can extend their lead to five points, Arteta suggested that Saka enjoys the physical ‘challenge’ posed by defenders. But the coach reminded the 21-year-old of the dangers of losing his temper.

There are many ways to (protect) himself on a football field, within the rules, and he needs to learn and improve on that. He reacted in some way, but that line is extremely thin and that can’t take him off his game and lose focus,” Arteta said.

‘But he can also help with that, to have more focus, more determination, more faith for the next action. So it’s something he has to do.

Added Arteta: “He needs to learn when to catch certain balls, what to do with that ball, how to use his body, when to jump…if you ask him what he used to be like when he was 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 – he’s not much different. Wingers and talented players get kicked and fouled and demand to win games and that’s the opportunity they get, that’s their role on the team.

Mikel Arteta says that Bukayo Saka has to learn to protect himself from difficult challenges

The Arsenal boss suggested Saka enjoys the physical ‘challenge’ posed by defenders

There is growing frustration among supporters who believe the winger is being treated unfairly and referees being unfairly lenient. Saka has earned 40 fouls in the Premier League this season, but it has only resulted in four yellow cards. Saka himself has been carded five times.

“It’s normal for creative players to want to be stopped,” Arteta said. “It’s a challenge he’s going to face with all the opponents in front of him and he wants to win that challenge.”

The manager added: “I am sure that the referees want to protect each game and individuals in the best possible way.” Now there is a lot of focus on Bukayo, and we have to take that into account as a team with the plans we put together, understanding what the opponents are doing. But surely the referees have their responsibilities and they have to do their job.’

Arteta also praised the determination and resilience Saka has shown for Arsenal.

As Sportsmail revealed, Saka is close to signing a new contract worth a minimum of £10m a year. It’s a reward for his remarkable performances and consistency. Despite being targeted by defenders, the winger has played in 65 consecutive league games, the longest streak of any player in the division.

That ‘resilience’ does not surprise Arteta. “No, because I really see his determination and where he wants to go,” said the coach. We’ve discussed that a lot in individual conversations with him and he really wants to get there. He will have that resilience and that ability to constantly show a certain level and always be available.”

For his part, Thomas Partey could return to Leicester after missing a couple of games with a thigh injury.