Steven Gerrard admits ‘some changes will need to be made’ after describing Aston Villa’s performance in defeat to Newcastle as ‘nowhere near’ the required standard
- Steven Gerrard was heavily critical of Aston Villa’s display against Newcastle
- Gerrard admits changes will have to be made after Aston Villa were beaten 1-0
- The Villa manager stated that he was surprised by how badly his team played
Steven Gerrard tore into his Aston Villa players and vowed to make changes to the team after a performance he described as ‘nowhere near’ good enough.
The visitors had just one shot on target despite trailing for an hour and, save for a slight improvement early in the second half when Ollie Watkins had a goal ruled out for offside, they never looked like taking anything from the game.
Gerrard was clearly irritated on the touchline and his mood had not improved by the time he came to reflect half an hour after full-time.
Steven Gerrard was heavily critical of Aston Villa’s performance in their defeat to Newcastle
‘It was a really bad day for us,’ he said. ‘I’m surprised by the performance. There was no sign of that in the preparation.
‘We need to improve collectively. We did not deserve anything from the game, that was clear. Some changes need to be made to the team.’
Asked where his side had come up short, Gerrard said: ‘A lot of areas on the evidence of that. In terms of what we created it was a concern. We had one shot on target. Our set-pieces for and against were poor.
‘Newcastle didn’t have to play well to beat us. But I have no complaints with the result. It might have been different if that (Watkins goal) goes in our favour.
‘But we came to the game too late. You can’t come to the game after 45 minutes. Not too many can be proud of their performance – maybe two or three got close to the level accepted.
Gerrard admitted that he will have to make changes to his team following their display
A foot injury suffered by Kieran Trippier marred Newcastle United’s third successive victory
‘Across the board we have a lot to work on. The players know we were nowhere near today.’
For Newcastle, a foot injury suffered by match-winner Kieran Trippier marred their third straight victory. The defender returned from hospital an hour after full-time using crutches and wearing a protective boot.
Howe said: ‘Kieran got stamped on, and he couldn’t continue with a problem on the top of his foot. We’re keeping everything crossed there’s no broken bone there.’