Gary Neville has shared that it is ‘massively frustrating’ watching Aston Villa and Manchester United in the last 15 minutes of a game, as he told Sky Sports.
The former England defender stated that the duo are ‘terrible’ at chasing games, as they displayed against Newcastle and Southampton recently.
Villa were beaten 1-0 away at Newcastle on Sunday, whilst those at Old Trafford were held to 1-1 draw against Southampton.
Whilst Villa didn’t showcase that inability at chasing a game when they came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Man United last month, they were nowhere near their best at St James’ Park.
Watching from the commentary box, Neville explained what he found annoying about Villa’s play, which he also saw with his former side.
“They were massively frustrating for me in the last 15 minutes,” said Neville. “It comes off a theme after watching Manchester United.
“Terrible in chasing the game. Chasing a goal. Giving fouls away. Forcing it. Crossing it from poor areas.
“Villa did really do that in the last 15 minutes. They allowed Newcastle to manage those last 15 minutes by taking the time on throw-ins and free-kicks. Giving free-kicks away. Bookings.
“I thought it was really poor in the last 10-15 minutes. I think Steven Gerrard will be really annoyed with that. I think he would want more composure on the pitch.”
Steven Gerrard was slumped in his chair as the game against Newcastle was coming to an end, which just summed up the feeling of every Villa fan.
It has been an abject number of weeks, in terms of performances, for the side and changes will be needed on Saturday.
Watford will visit Villa Park, with Roy Hodgson looking to win his first game since being appointed by the Hornets.
Another defeat at the weekend, then the Villa Park faithful won’t react in such a friendly manner towards the players.
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