Alan Shearer has told Match of the Day 2 that following Sunday’s 4-0 win over Brentford, it is clear that some Aston Villa players did not like Steven Gerrard – and the tactics that the recently-sacked manager tried to impose at Villa.
In the club’s first game since relieving Gerrard of his duties on Thursday evening, after a 3-0 loss to Fulham, Villa hosted Brentford. Aaron Danks took control, and guided his side to a wonderful 4-0 win, and a superb performance.
Inside 15 minutes, Villa were 3-0 up. Leon Bailey opened the scoring from a well-worked set-piece. Danny Ings got a brace, netting on seven minutes – and then scoring a penalty. Kris Ajer had pulled Tyrone Mings down in the box.
Ollie Watkins made it 4-0 as Bailey turned provider. An excellent display, but one that also looked bad for Gerrard. Shearer thinks the display is proof that some Villa players did not like the Liverpool legend, or the way he played.
“One or two clearly didn’t like the manager, didn’t like the way he wanted them to play. They looked free. You would think that if Steven Gerrard was watching, he would be thinking ‘Goodness me, why didn’t I get that the week before?'”
Shearer: Clear some Villa players did not like Gerrard
Gerrard’s tactics did not work. While it might have worked north of the border, ultimately it was not a success for Villa. He did not have much luck – with a couple of signings immediately suffering injury. But a lack of creativity was evident.
Villa need a manager that gives freedom to their attacking stars, like Danks did in the win over Brentford. Perhaps, as Villa search for a new boss, Danks could strengthen his chances of winning the job – if the 4-0 win is anything to go by.
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