Steven Gerrard has heaped praise on Leeds United after watching his Aston Villa side surrender a 3-1 lead to draw 3-3 at Villa Park on Wednesday night. The Midlands club were excellent going forward, but shaky in defence.
A topsy-turvy match saw Leeds take the lead – Dan James finding a yard and finishing well. But Villa scored the next three, as Philippe Coutinho served up another reminder that he is returning to his best form under Gerrard.
He finished with a neat reverse shot, before setting up Jacob Ramsey with an inch-perfect pass. It was Ramsey who got Villa’s third, finding the roof of the net. But what was crucial, was James getting a goal just before half time.
The Wales ace bundled home a deflected cross from Rodrigo. In the second half, only one goal was scored. A woeful clearance from Tyrone Mings saw Diego Llorente lash home. Gerrard was impressed from the dugout.
“It would have been unfair to go in 3-1 up I think. Leeds deserved that goal. They had a lot of movement and runners outside. We didn’t have the same creativity ourselves going forward in the second half.
“A draw was the right result. A fun game for the fans tonight but not one for the coaches. Defensively we have to improve but Leeds are really unique. Leeds take you places you don’t want to go,” Gerrard told BBC Sport.
Gerrard on Leeds: Villa boss clearly impressed with Bielsa’s side
Leeds can be proud of their performance. The absence of Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford – the core of the team – has affected the Whites for some time now. Adam Forshaw was only on the bench.
He was returning after a hamstring issue. So, Leeds should be proud of their display and showed they do not have to rely on Raphinha to get a result. The Brazil international arguably endured one of his worst displays.
But the emergence of Dan James, the work rate of Jack Harrison and Mateusz Klich, and the defensive shield of Robin Koch gave Leeds a chance. A brilliant game, and deserved admiration from both managers.
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