Aston Villa’s manager Steven Gerrard reckons his team could have scored a couple of more goals in the preseason match against Manchester United at the Optus Stadium on Saturday. Villa took a total of eight shots, out of which three were on target.
Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho continued his good form as he put the Red Devils in front in the 25th minute. Subsequently, an own goal from Matty Cash gave a 2-0 lead to Manchester United before the half-time whistle.
However, Aston Villa was able to bounce back stronger as Leon Bailey found the back of the next after four minutes into the second half. Calum Chambers then scored in the stoppage time to help Ashton Villa level the score.
Steven Gerard believes the pitch conditions were difficult as he said while talking to Villa’s official website, “It was very difficult to play football tonight – the conditions were extremely tough for both sets of players.”
On the other hand, the former England midfielder was happy with the team’s defensive shape despite conceding a 2-0 lead in the first half.
“I was really pleased with a lot of our defensive shape first half but we got one or two things wrong and conceded goals on the back of that. We weren’t good enough in possession to create in the first half.”
Gerard, who played for Liverpool during his career, reckons they failed to grab their chances in the second half and could have won the game if they had converted his opportunities.
“Second half was totally different. I thought our performance deserved to take something from the game. I thought we could have scored another couple of goals. We had individuals who stepped forward and were outstanding. People have really jumped out in that second half and let me know they really want to be in the starting XI.”
The Villans gaffer concluded: “I’m pleased because I was frustrated at half-time, we had to iron a few things out. The players have gone out and been different in the second half for the better.”
Ashton Villa will next face Rennes on Saturday.
