Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta addresses fans’ chants as Bukayo Saka reveals referee chat

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said it was “great” to hear fans chant his name and Europa after Aston Villa’s win as goalscorer Bukayo Saka pleads for protection from referees

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Aston Villa vs Arsenal: pictures

Arsenal cemented their position in the top four with a 1-0 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday and manager Mikel Arteta said it was a wonderful feeling to hear the fans singing about UEFA Champions League.

The Gunners won the game and kept a clean sheet with backup goalie Bernd Leno in goal while Aaron Ramsdale was absent through injury. With the final shot of the game, Leno made a save to ensure his side left with all three points and Ramsdale congratulated his teammate after the final whistle.

The only goal of the game was scored by Bukayo Saka, who had a message for the referees when the game was over.

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Arteta listened to fans

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta spoke to fans after the 1-0 win over Aston Villa and told them he heard them chanting his name at the end of the game.

The Gunners left Villa Park with all three points thanks to Saka’s first-half goal and the fans at the stadium made their feelings heard by chanting: ‘We’ve got Super Mik Arteta, he knows exactly what we need, Kieran at the back, Gabi purely attacking, Arsenal on their way to the Champions League!”

Arteta addressed the vocals and fans when he spoke after the game, telling fans it felt “amazing”.

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Ramsdale’s Leno gesture

Aaron Ramsdale missed the win against Aston Villa with a hip injury and was replaced in goal by former number one Bernd Leno.

But that didn’t stop the England goalkeeper from traveling downstairs with the squad to watch in person. With Bernd Leno between the sticks and a goal conceded, including a last-minute save, Ramsdale was spotted alongside his Gunners team-mate by eagle-eyed supporters after the final whistle.

The couple’s moment of togetherness was also caught by TV cameras.

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Saka’s message to the referees

Saka’s journey from Hale End academy graduate to first name on Arsenal’s squad took another step forward on Saturday when his goal against Aston Villa proved crucial.

Whether it was intentional or not, Villa’s players presented tough challenges to the talented England international that were not always met by referee Andy Madley. When Saka spoke to the man in the middle, he was booed by the home team’s fans.

Speaking to BT Sports after the game, Saka explained what he said to Madley.

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