Gerrard so proud after Villa make their point

STEVEN GERRARD’S pride at the way Aston Villa fought back for a point against Manchester City was tinged with frustration after officials admitted they were too hasty to call offside before Philippe Coutinho hit a potential winner.

Four defeats from their opening five Premier League games has led pressure to mount on the Liverpool great’s position at the Villa Park helm.

Gerrard’s side were on course for a fourth straight defeat after Erling Haaland scored his 10th goal in six appearances early in the second half, with Kevin De Bruyne hitting the bar as City pushed for another.

But Leon Bailey rifled home a superb equaliser in front of the Holte End and Villa secured a 1-1 draw.

‘I think the players stuck at it,’ manager Gerrard (above) said. ‘I don’t think anyone gave us any hope or a chance before a ball was kicked today.

‘It was important that inside the dressing room we had belief and courage.

‘I’m really pleased and proud with what the players have given today and I don’t think anyone can be begrudge us that point and it’s a big point.’

It was a good result that could have been better was it not for a trigger-happy official.

Philippe Coutinho fired home a 20-yard strike off the underside of the bar but referee Simon Hooper had already blown his whistle for offside, only for replays to show the Brazilian was in fact onside in the build-up.

Gerrard says it was a ‘legitimate goal’ ruled out, and claims the officials have since recognised they called the offside decision too quickly.

‘That decision went against us but, fair play, the officials recognised that in the room afterwards,’ added Gerrard.