Liverpool vs Aston Villa

FS:1-0

Goals: Salah (67′)

Anfield

From the day Stevie G was appointed as Villa manager, this had become a noteworthy date in the diary, the press was full of the return to Anfield. Jurgen Klopp was constantly questioned about what it meant to encounter a legend in the opposite dugout, many asking him about how Stevie was seen as a future manager of the Reds, Klopp dryly replied that “he wasn’t too worried”.

The day arrived and the build-up culminated in the Gerrad striding down that familiar tunnel to a welcome fitting someone who had served the club with faith and dedication for more than 17 years as man and boy.

Gerrad has had the impact the Villa owners expected, his very presence has transformed what seemed a capable squad into a team and 12 points from his first 5 games reflected a shift in Villas fortunes and a move up the league into a position of safety. It is clear from the word around Villa that Gerrad has carried his presence as a player, on-field leader, and captain into management. It is difficult to qualify the Scottish Premier League as a comparison to it English equivalent, given the tendency for one of two teams to dominate. Ranger re-emergence under Gerrad occurred when Celtic seemed to fall away with management changes and issues around the club, but nonetheless, as a new manager securing the league in Scotland was a positive achievement.

The match reflected Gerrad the man, his team set out with positive intent showing real endeavor and seeking to press the Reds, however, this was always likely to create issues both in terms of tactical awareness as fatigue. Nonetheless, the Reds progressed through the first half-pressing and probing and creating opportunities for Mane, the Ox, Salah, and Robinson but none of them registered. As the second half progressed further chances appeared but seemed to slip away and a sense of would this be home points dropped until Salah was slipped in and Mings made a clumsy challenge which the little Egyptian was welcome to accept and in the confusion of legs and arms the referee pointed to the spot. Salah converted scrapping the paint off the foot of the right-hand post, 1-0 to the Reds, a collective sigh of relief, and what followed was a repeat of the first half with the Reds showing some excellent inter play and further opportunities but no conversion.

Salah’s goal proved the decisive factor in this hard-fought win, It is clear that Gerrad has gathered a lot of know-how in a short period of time and that Villa under his direction will become a better team in the coming seasons, I suspect that I am like most Reds fans who will look with interest every week to see the Villa score and if they win against the likes of United, Everton and our title challengers will give a nod to Stevie G as he pursues his new career with the same determination and ability he graced Anfield for some many seasons.

Categories: Uncategorized