Gerrard eyes top 10...and role in title fight
STEVEN GERRARD is targeting a first top-10 finish for Aston Villa since 2010-11 — but of greater significance to the wider world is that he could also deliver the Premier League title to Liverpool. Villa fans came to toast the men who lifted the European Cup 40 years ago as second-half goals from Ollie Watkins and Jeffrey Schlupp ensured the points were shared, leaving Villa four points behind 10th-placed Brighton with a game in hand. That fixture is at home to relegation-threatened Burnley on Thursday, before Villa travel to Manchester City on Sunday. If they deny City, it may be enough to send the title to Anfield. Gerrard has already said he would like his former club to win it, something he never achieved as a player at Liverpool. Gerrard’s main worry, however, is the health of Ezri Konsa. The defender will have a scan to assess how serious the damage to his knee is — sustained after falling awkwardly early in the second half. ‘We are concerned about Ezri,’ said the Aston Villa boss. ‘I would be very surprised if he plays again this season. ‘There was not much wrong with the performance but the goal we conceded was very naive. My players are frustrated and I really like it. Hopefully they can take out that frustration on Burnley.’ The day was all about Villa’s win over Bayern Munich in Rotterdam on May 26, 1982, with a guard of honour for the greats. Along with the goals, the highlight of the match was John McGinn’s running duel with Wilfried Zaha, who was typically grumpy with the officials. ‘This is part of Wilfried’s personality — a strength and a weakness at the same time,’ said Palace manager Patrick Vieira. ‘He is a player who is a target for opponents, but he has to manage his mind better. ‘He needs to keep that energy and strength to make the difference in the final third.’ Villa took the lead in the 69th minute when Watkins steered in Lucas Digne’s cross, though the visitors were convinced he had fouled Marc Guehi, and Vieira was booked for protesting. But Guehi managed to make amends nine minutes from full time when he flicked on Joachim Andersen’s hooked cross, and substitute Schlupp steered home the leveller. ASTON VILLA (4-3-1-2): Martinez 6.5; Cash 7, Konsa 6.5 (Chambers 50min, 6.5), Mings 6, Digne 6.5; Douglas Luiz 6.5, Nakamba 6 (Ramsey 66, 6), McGINN 7.5; Coutinho 5.5; Watkins 7, Ings 5.5 (Buendia 71, 5.5). Scorer: Watkins 69. Booked: Mings. Manager: Steven Gerrard 6.5. CRYSTAL PALACE (3-1-4-2): Butland 6; Kouyate 6.5, Andersen 7, Guehi 6; Milivojevic 7 (Benteke 78, 6); Clyne 6.5, Gallagher 6.5, Eze 5.5 (Schlupp 78), Mitchell 6; Mateta 6 (Edouard 71, 6), Zaha 6.5. Scorer: Schlupp 81. Booked: Gallagher, Edouard, Kouyate. Manager: Patrick Vieira 6.5. Referee: Chris Kavanagh 6. Attendance: 41,136.