Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has publicly disagreed with Jesse Marsch after the Leeds United manager accused the Midlands club of time-wasting from the first whistle on Sunday at Elland Road – during a 0-0 draw in Yorkshire.
In a feisty, often bad-tempered clash, Villa nullified Leeds in the first half despite the Whites creating numerous chances. But then, the game swung in Villa’s favour as Luis Sinisterra was shown a second yellow card on 48 minutes.
It saw Villa dominate the ball and Leeds look to frustrate them – which they did. But Villa did have chances and but for some last-ditch defending from Illan Meslier, Luke Ayling, Liam Cooper and Robin Koch, they might have scored.
Steven Gerrard described Leeds as a little bit “lucky”, following the match. But Marsch accused Gerrard’s Villa of time-wasting early on in the match, as Villa looked to quieten the Elland Road crowd. £96k-a-week Gerrard disagreed.
“Was he happy with their time-wasting when they went to 10? It works both ways,” Gerrard said, as per the Mail. “I’m not really interested in what Jesse thinks and his opinion. [Stuart Attwell] had a good game. Anything he got wrong?”
Gerrard has publicly disagreed with Leeds manager Marsch
Marsch’s frustration is not just because of Villa. Frank Lampard’s Everton did it from the first moments of the match, during the 1-1 draw at Elland Road. Clubs come to Elland Road, knowing there will be a hostile atmosphere.
In an attempt to quieten the Elland Road crowd, they slow down Marsch’s high-tempo style. Ultimately, it works. But, Marsch is wrong to expect other clubs to simply adhere to the way he wants his Leeds style to play.
However, something does need to be done regarding the time-wasting, across the entirety of the Premier League. It is becoming something that is crossing the line from part of the game, to unnecessary. Understandable, from both sides.
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