Arsenal star Bukayo Saka was called 'the most kicked man in the Premier League', but stats say otherwise.
In a recent interview with the Daily Telegraph, Arsenal legend Bob Wilson vented at referees in the Premier League for not protecting Saka.
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He claimed: “Referees don’t seem to see or understand it. There are always a minimum of two players within five yards of Saka and often a third. If they can’t stop him, they kick him.
“People say, ‘What do you mean? That’s too dramatic’.
"I say there has not been a more kicked player in the Premier League than Bukayo Saka."
However, according to stats recorded by Opta, Saka is not the most fouled player in the Premier League.
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In fact, the 22-year-old is not even close with Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes by far the most fouled player in the top tier.
The Brazilian has been fouled 82 times - an incredible 29 times more than the third-placed player on the list John McGinn (53).
However, sitting near the top with Guimaraes is Crystal Palace star Jordan Ayew, who has been fouled 80 times - perhaps taking the mantle of former Eagles ace Wilfried Zaha, who often was on the receiving end of challenges.
Saka, in comparison, has been fouled 50 times this season.
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As well as Guimaraes, Ayew and McGinn, the other four players to be fouled more than Saka this season are Mohammed Kudus (53), Lucas Paqueta (52), Anthony Gordon (52) and James Maddison (51).
Making up the top ten fouled players so far this season are Joao Palhinha (48) and Chiedozie Ogbene (47).
Laura Woods jokingly threatens to walk off set during interview with Arsenal's Bukayo Saka during Champions League coverage
Arsenal have complained to the PGMOL over the treatment Saka has faced this season.
They believe not enough has been done to restrict players from targeting the England international.
As arguably Arsenal's poster boy, Mikel Arteta has entrusted the forward with plenty of responsibility.
Since making his debut five years ago, Saka has played 248 times for club and country, scoring 65 goals along the way as well.
Most fouls won this season
Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle) - 82
Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace) - 80
John McGinn (Aston Villa) - 53
Mohammed Kudus (West Ham) - 53
Lucas Paqueta (West Ham) - 52
Anthony Gordon (Newcastle) - 52
James Maddison (Tottenham) - 51
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) - 50
Joao Palhinha (Fulham) - 48
Chiedozie Ogbene (Luton Town) - 47
Stats correct as of 26/03/24