Advertisement

What we learned about how Steven Gerrard will make Aston Villa play

Steven Gerrard celebrates with Anwar El Ghazi at full time - REUTERS
Steven Gerrard celebrates with Anwar El Ghazi at full time - REUTERS

Jose Mourinho never got to sign Steven Gerrard as a player but his style appears to have rubbed off on Aston Villa’s new manager.

There was a hint of Mourinho as he celebrated down the touchline, dressed in a tie, smart jumper and overcoat that the Special One would approve of.

The most important tactical plan for the game was like Mourinho too as he attempted to overpower the central part of the pitch. His opening match as a Premier League manager offered a glimpse of how Villa will play:

Midfield Power

Villa’s plan was to dominate central midfield with three powerful players. Marvelous Nakamba threw himself into tackles to win the ball, while John McGinn carried his team forwards and created his team’s attacks.

At the final whistle, Gerrard made a point of going to chat briefly with Jacob Ramsey before going onto the pitch to salute the fans. The 20 year-old has huge potential and is learning from one of the Premier League’s greatest players in his position.

With 37 per cent possession, Villa wanted to win the ball and break forward rather than build up play patiently.

“We wanted to own the middle of the pitch with our shape and structure,” said Gerrard. “Block the middle of the pitch and when our moments came on the semi-counter or full-counter we wanted to hurt the opposition.

“Allowing them to have the ball in certain areas of the pitch allowed us to stay in the game and then we were in a position to win the game.”

Change of shape

Dean Smith used 3-4-3 at times and his final game was a 4-2-3-1 but Gerrard has come in with fresh ideas with a 4-3-3 system that gets his best attacking players on the pitch but also allows enough numbers in central midfield.

Playing three at the back and having a spare man in the form of Tyrone Mings could still be an option in the future. Mings will be an important player for Gerrard going forward with his leadership on the pitch.

Mings looked comfortable in a four-man defence and Graham Potter’s Brighton had their cutting edge blunted.

Utilise Ashley Young

Young had not started a Premier League game in almost three months but made a big impact when he came off the bench during the second half.

He went to the World Cup with England as a full-back but was played here in central midfield, on the left side of a three. He threaded the ball through for Watkins to open the scoring.

“I know Ashley extremely well and he has been absolutely outstanding since we walked through the door, not just in training but his leadership,” said Gerrard.

“We see players like him as an outer layer of the staff. He can play right-back, left-back, No 8, No 10 or wide.”

Importance of Emi Martinez

Martinez was equal to anything Brighton threw at him and his best save denied Leandro Trossard at the near post.

But the Argentinian goalkeeper’s distribution is also an important part of how Villa will play under Gerrard and he showed a variety of ways to get the ball to a team-mate.

Villa would try to pass it out from the back at times and play their way through Brighton’s press. But Martinez also has an excellent 40-yard pass in his locker, getting the ball into midfield or to his full-backs further up the pitch.

Long ball to left flank

It seemed clear that when Villa went long they were trying to attack the space between centre-back Adam Webster and wing-back Tariq Lamptey on Brighton’s right-hand side.

Matt Targett would race forward and was soon joined by his team-mates. Gerrard may have been tailoring this tactic from watching Brighton play. Lamptey was their best attacking player with his runs deep into the Villa half.

Lamptey, who has recovered from a serious hamstring injury, was taken off with 11 minutes to go and it was not long before Villa grabbed their goals. "We're still building him up. It was a case of making sure he is available for the rest of the season," said Potter.

Ings/Watkins dilemma

Danny Ings was taken off midway though the second half and had just 17 touches of the ball.

It seemed logical that either he or Watkins would start from a wider position and they alternated often while on the pitch together.

Playing those two up front in a two-man attack brings its own problems. Watkins looked more threatening after Ings was taken off and eventually the goal came for the England international.

As Watkins scored Gerrard was at the heart of wild celebrations in the technical area. “You try to control your emotions but you’re kicking every ball,” he said. “I want to be visible and want to guide them to carry out the plan. It’s the same will to win and drive that I had as a player.”


Aston Villa 2 Brighton 0: match report

By John Percy

It is a new chapter for Steven Gerrard in his gilded career, but winning at Villa Park remains a reassuringly familiar experience.

Gerrard never lost here in 13 visits as a Liverpool player, and that record remains intact after a dramatic victory in his first match as a Premier League manager.

Two goals in the final six minutes, from Ollie Watkins and Tyrone Mings, secured a memorable debut and ensured Gerrard became the first Villa manager since Gerard Houllier, in September 2010, to win his opening game at this level.

There was much for the 41 year old to consider before Watkins sparked scenes of wild celebration, with Villa appearing disjointed at times, but a first clean sheet since September 25 and halting a run of five successive defeats gives him plenty to build on.

“This was a big week and a big game, so there was a mixture of excitement and relief at the end,” said Gerrard.

“These are the buzzes and the highs that you miss as a player, I love seeing players compete and enjoying themselves.

“You try to control your emotions, but you’re kicking every ball. I want to be visible and guide the players, but inside of me is still that will to win, drive and that energy. I hate losing and you should see me in six-a-side staff games!

“We’ll debrief from this game and with time we will become stronger, we will grow and go better.”

Any victory over Brighton these days must be hard-earned, and this was Graham Potter’s first defeat on the road this season, with his team punished for not making more of their possession.

Brighton did not deserve to lose, but nothing was going to damage Gerrard’s first experience of the technical area in English football.

Gerrard rues a missed opportunity in the first half - GETTY IMAGES
Gerrard rues a missed opportunity in the first half - GETTY IMAGES

The reception at the start was noisy yet not raucous, with some disappointment still lingering in the air over the dismissal of Dean Smith who was “one of their own”.

Smith’s departure is still being viewed as a premature decision in some quarters, so there was perhaps even more pressure on Gerrard to hit the ground running.

By the end, they were chanting his name as he celebrated at the final whistle near the halfway line.

Early on he stood with his hands in his pockets, or arms folded, occasionally barking out an instruction or encouragement. After just five minutes, he hurled his chewing gum down the touchline, perhaps sensing this was going to be a difficult afternoon.

Villa did create the first chance, with Matty Cash’s header pushed away by Jason Steele at the far post after 12 minutes. Steele, the Brighton goalkeeper, was making his first appearance at any level in over three years and Potter described him later as “excellent.”

Brighton were far more comfortable on the ball, gradually easing themselves into the game and dominating possession after Villa’s predictably strong start.

Potter’s approach demands players to be fearless and intent on passing their way out of tight areas, and Villa were having to put in a lot of work.

Gerrard will have learned quickly that he has inherited an excellent goalkeeper in Emiliano Martinez, the Argentina international.

Martinez produced a brilliant save to deny Leandro Trossard, and then an even better stop in first-half stoppage time, rushing off his line to block an effort from Tariq Lamptey.

After 59 minutes the first request came from the Holte End for Gerrard to “give us a wave”, with Brighton in the ascendancy.

Frustration was building, and Villa were convinced they should have been awarded a penalty when Cash collapsed after a challenge from Brighton substitute Solly March.

Gerrard made changes in a bid to establish some momentum, introducing £25 million signing Leon Bailey and Ashley Young. One of the players replaced, record buy Emiliano Buendia, was unhappy with the decision and punched his seat in the dug-out.

With the game seemingly drifting towards a draw, the pivotal moment came five minutes from time. It owed much to Young, now 36, who sparked the home team into life with his industry after coming off the bench.

Taking the ball on the left from Young’s pass just inside the Brighton half, Watkins advanced towards goal to bend a shot past Steele into the corner.

Ollie Watkins celebrates with Leon Bailey after making it 1-0 to Aston Villa - GETTY IMAGES
Ollie Watkins celebrates with Leon Bailey after making it 1-0 to Aston Villa - GETTY IMAGES

Mings then added the second goal in the 89th minute, capitalising on a poor clearance from Adam Webster to crash his shot into the roof of the net.

Villa Park erupted, and Gerrard celebrated with them. For Brighton, and Potter, it was a familiar feeling.

“With it being Steven’s first game it was going to be a tough place to come, but we didn’t feel in any danger until they scored,” said Potter.

“We controlled a lot of the game but didn’t score, so we deserved to lose. You can see what we’re trying to do but it’s about taking the next step and turning these games into wins.”

Saturday’s 3pm kick offs, as they happened:


05:25 PM

Match reports incoming

Looking for a bit of extra insight into this afternoon's games?

Jon West has the lowdown on Norwich's win against Southampton, Jason Mellor has the debrief from Newcastle's topsy-turvy draw with Brentford, while Arindam Rej was at Molineux to watch Wolves beat West Ham.

Plus, here's Sam Wallace's verdict on Manchester United's miserable defeat to Watford.


05:01 PM

It's all over

... for the 3pm kick offs, with Gerrard and Smith getting wins on their debuts, glorious anarchy at Turf Moor and St James' Park, a useful win for Wolves against West Ham and a horrorshow for Manchester United at Vicarage Road.

That's all for our live coverage, though we'll have match reports and plenty of analysis to follow.


04:57 PM

GOAL! Watford 4-1 Manchester United

Watford have added insult to injury, scoring a fourth through Dennis.

Needless to say, this result is not going to go down well in Manchester.


04:53 PM

GOAL! Watford 3-1 Manchester United

It's all over for United at Vicarage Road, with Joao Pedro adding a third for the hosts.

Solskjaer looks a broken man on the sidelines. United have slid down to seventh in the table.


04:49 PM

GOAL! Aston Villa 2-0 Brighton

Having only just celebrated the first goal of his tenure, Gerrard has another to savour.

Tyrone Mings makes it 2-0 to Villa, surely securing the three points.


04:46 PM

GOAL! Aston Villa 1-0 Brighton

Is this the dawn of Gerrardismo?

Okay, okay, let's not get carried away. Ollie Watkins scores the first goal of Gerrard's tenure at Villa Park, firing a tracer into the top corner.

Wahey! - GETTY IMAGES
Wahey! - GETTY IMAGES

04:40 PM

GOAL! Norwich 2-1 Southampton

While Steven Gerrard's first game as Villa manager remains goalless, his predecessor, Dean Smith, is on course to make the perfect start at Norwich.

Grant Hanley has just put one past Alex McCarthy, making it 2-1 to the hosts at Carrow Road.


04:37 PM

GOAL! Newcastle 3-3 Brentford

Saint-Maximin gives Newcastle parity, turning in Ryan Fraser's cross at the back post.

Can Newcastle go on to win this? It's been absolute chaos.


04:30 PM

RED CARD!

Things have just got worse for Manchester United, with Harry Maguire sent off for a second bookable offence.


04:24 PM

GOAL! Newcastle 2-3 Brentford

Brentford seem determined to deny Newcastle their new manager bounce – maybe it doesn't count if said manager is self-isolating? – with Frank Onyeka scoring the visitors' third goal of the game.

Frank Onyeka celebrates with his team-mates - PA
Frank Onyeka celebrates with his team-mates - PA

04:16 PM

GOAL! Wolves 1-0 West Ham

Raul Jimenez gives Wolves the lead at Molineux, thrashing past Lukasz Fabianski from the edge of the area.


04:11 PM

GOAL! Watford 2-1 Manchester United

Brought on for McTominay at half time, Donny van de Beek has just pulled one back for United.

Maybe Solskjaer isn't tactically inept after all. Then again, he could have started him.


04:09 PM

GOAL! Burnley 3-3 Crystal Palace

The madness at Turf Moor continues, Maxwel Cornet drawing Burnley level once again.


04:05 PM

We're almost underway again

Can Manchester United turn things around at Vicarage Road? Will Steven Gerrard get his first win as Aston Villa boss?

You'll have to stick around to find out.

Graham Potter and Steven Gerrard on the sidelines at Villa Park - GETTY IMAGES
Graham Potter and Steven Gerrard on the sidelines at Villa Park - GETTY IMAGES

03:51 PM

It's half time

... in each of the 3pm kick offs.

There have been 16 goals in the Premier League so far this afternoon. Match of the Day is going to be worth a watch tonight.


03:46 PM

GOAL! Watford 2-0 Manchester United

Solskjaer could be in trouble here.

Sarr redeems his botched penalty, drilling past De Gea to extend Watford's lead. United have been absolutely dire in the first half.


03:45 PM

GOAL! Burnley 2-3 Crystal Palace

Palace have gone back in front at Turf Moor, Marc Guehi bundling home from close range.


03:42 PM

GOAL! Newcastle 2-2 Brentford

Joelinton scores a rare goal for Newcastle, benefitting from some clever play from Allan Saint-Maximin to drag the hosts back into the game.


03:39 PM

GOAL! Burnley 2-2 Crystal Palace

It's turning into a fun game at Turf Moor.

Benteke has his second, levelling the scores after a smart assist from Gallagher.


03:35 PM

GOAL! Newcastle 1-2 Brentford

Brentford are on the comeback trail at St James' Park, Rico Henry heading past Karl Darlow to make it 2-1 to the visitors.


03:33 PM

GOAL! Watford 1-0 Manchester United

Having blown their chance from the penalty spot, Watford have done it the hard way.

King has the opener, tapping in a cross from Emmanuel Dennis. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are on the ropes here.

Josh King celebrates after making it 1-0 to Watford - REUTERS
Josh King celebrates after making it 1-0 to Watford - REUTERS

03:30 PM

GOAL! Burnley 2-1 Crystal Palace

Burnley are playing pure, unadulterated Dycheball at Turf Moor, Chris Wood putting them ahead with another header from a set piece.


03:23 PM

GOAL! Burnley 1-1 Crystal Palace

Ben Mee has equalised at Turf Moor, nodding home Ashley Westwood's inswinging corner.


03:20 PM

TWO GOALS AT ST JAMES' PARK

... where Jamaal Lascelles put Newcastle ahead at a corner only for Ivan Toney to equalise a minute later.


03:18 PM

MISSED PENALTY!

Over at Vicarage Road, Watford are having a nightmare against Manchester United.

Josh King was fouled by Scott McTominay in the area, giving Ismaila Sarr a chance to score from the spot. His first effort was saved before Kiko Femenia scored on the rebound, but the penalty had to be retaken thanks to encroachment. David de Gea saved again second time round, leaving Sarr with his head in his hands.


03:13 PM

GOAL! Burnley 0-1 Crystal Palace

Meanwhile, at Turf Moor, Christian Benteke has scored the opener for Palace.

Conor Gallagher and Joachim Andersen both had a hand in the goal. Patrick Vieira will be pleased.


03:10 PM

GOAL! Norwich 1-1 Southampton

Well, that was quick. Teemu Pukki has equalised with a header at the near post.


03:09 PM

GOAL! Norwich 0-1 Southampton

Che Adams has given the Saints an early lead at Carrow Road, with Adam Armstrong picking up the assist.


03:05 PM

We're underway

... across the Premier League, with six games currently in action.

In case you missed it, here's our report from the early kick off at the King Power Stadium.


03:03 PM

West Ham team news


03:02 PM

Wolves team news


03:02 PM

Southampton team news


03:01 PM

Norwich team news


03:00 PM

Crystal Palace team news


03:00 PM

Burnley team news


02:58 PM

Brentford team news


02:58 PM

Newcastle team news


02:40 PM

Aston Villa vs Brighton team news

Danny Ings and Jacob Ramsey return to the Aston Villa team for Steven Gerrard's first match as manager.

Gerrard, who left Rangers during the international break to replace Dean Smith, makes three changes, with Ezri Konsa also recalled after suspension.

Anwar El Ghazi, Leon Bailey and Axel Tuanzebe revert to the bench, where they are joined by Morgan Sanson following his recent injury struggles.

Brighton make four changes as Jason Steele replaces the suspended Robert Sanchez in goal, with Adam Webster, Pascal Gross and Jakub Moder also back in the side.

Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett, McGinn, Nakamba, Ramsey, Buendia, Watkins, Ings.
Subs: Sanson, Steer, Tuanzebe, Young, El Ghazi, Hause, Bailey, Chukwuemeka, Davis.

Brighton: Steele, Lamptey, Dunk, Duffy, Lallana, Gross, Bissouma, Webster, Cucurella, Moder, Trossard.
Subs: Maupay, Mac Allister, Scherpen, March, Locadia, Richards, Burn, Veltman, Sarmiento.

Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire)

Can Steven Gerrard get off to a winning start at Aston Villa? - GETTY IMAGES
Can Steven Gerrard get off to a winning start at Aston Villa? - GETTY IMAGES

02:35 PM

Greenwood tests positive for Covid

Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood has tested positive for Covid-19.

The 20 year-old is a notable absentee from the side named to face Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday afternoon, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealing the forward's positive test in his pre-match interviews.

Greenwood has been a key member of Solskjaer's squad this season, scoring four goals in 14 appearances in all competitions.

He will now have to undergo isolation ahead of a key period for the Red Devils.

Watford manager Claudio Ranieri has made three changes from the side which lost 1-0 at Arsenal before the international break.

Imran Louza, Adam Masina and Tom Cleverley are included in the side while Juraj Kucka, Danny Rose and Ozan Tufan drop out, although Kucka is suspended.

Watford: Foster, Femenia, Cathcart, N'Koulou, Masina, Sissoko, Sarr, Louza, Cleverley, Dennis, King.
Subs: Ngakia, Rose, Troost-Ekong, Joao Pedro, Gosling, Fletcher, Tufan, Bachmann, Hernandez.

Man Utd: De Gea, Wan Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw, McTominay, Matic, Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford, Ronaldo.
Subs: Bailly, Mata, Martial, Lingard, Fred, Dalot, Heaton, Telles, Van de Beek.

Referee: Jonathan Moss (County Durham)

Mason Greenwood is currently isolating and unable to make the trip to Vicarage Road this afternoon - GETTY IMAGES
Mason Greenwood is currently isolating and unable to make the trip to Vicarage Road this afternoon - GETTY IMAGES