Villa know it’s time to shape up or ship out in summer
TOO passive. Too easy to play against. Too nice. That was Steven Gerrard’s verdict as Villa were comfortably beaten by Arsenal.
Bukayo Saka’s goal on the half-hour downed Villa as they lost their 15th match of the campaign – the same number as for the entirety of last season when they finished 11th under Dean Smith.
Here are the big talking points from Saturday’s game at Villa Park as the players headed into a two-week break before Wolves away on April 2.
Gerrard’s transfer trigger
The head coach has said it for a number of weeks now and, after backto-back defeats to West Ham and Arsenal, he pointed to being backed in the upcoming summer transfer window to shape the squad how he wants it.
“When we’re at home, we need to at least believe collectively that we can take points off these teams, in the short term,” said Gerrard.
“In the long term, I believe with coaching, support which I believe we’ll get, then we can take strides forward quicker. At the moment, where we are, we’ve got to at least believe to put in a better performance over 90 minutes – not just 45.”
Gerrard quickly darted off for a postmatch chat with owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, who were both in attendance.
Given the gulf in class between Villa and the top eight and knowing they are 10 points adrift of Wolves who are one place above them in the table, it’s clear a big summer is needed if the club have any realistic hope of closing the gap and pushing for Europe.
“We haven’t taken any points off the top four,” Gerrard added.
“We’ve got to really want to grab them. We’ll get some support in and, when that happens, I believe we can get there (Europe).”
n Mentality issue
“Maybe it is upstairs with a few,” was another telling response from Gerrard, who was asked about his players’ mentality.
Villa were far too respectful to another side above them in the table – it was exactly the same at West Ham.
“We waited too long to come to the game,” said the boss.
“We showed them too much respect. We had a full week to prepare, they’ve had a midweek game. It should have been us on the front foot.”
Gerrard was seething and rightly so.
The fans who once again packed Villa Park deserved much, much better.
Ashley Young also pointed towards Villa’s shortcomings against the top sides, and said: “It’s just disappointing we didn’t start the game like we did in the second half and play like that all the way through.
“That’s been the story of quite a few games this season, especially against the top teams. You see the way they celebrated at the end, it was like they won the league.
“We want to be in the European places and to get the club back there
and we have the ambition to do that.”
Season in danger of fizzling out
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There are just nine matches remaining for Villa before the season is done and dusted with a mid-table finish now looking like a dead cert.
It’s Wolves, Tottenham, Liverpool, Leicester, Norwich, Burnley (twice), Palace and Manchester City.
Gerrard has spoken of the importance of finishing on a high note and the players must deliver that because, if they don’t, a few will be heading towards the exit door when the transfer window reopens.
A few of the players are fighting for their futures. Villa also look sure to finish below last season’s 55-point total. It’s a huge summer for Gerrard and his coaching staff.
Gerrard’s reaction to Saka
Saka called for the match officials to protect him after claiming Villa were a little too heavy-handed.
“He said we were too rough?” Gerrard replied. “And they didn’t commit any fouls?
“Listen, it’s part of the game. I’m sitting here with screws in my hips. I’ve had about 16 operations. I’m struggling to go to the gym at the moment.
“That’s all on the back of earning a living in English football. He’ll learn and he’ll learn quickly.”