Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor believes “the pressure is off” Steven Gerrard after their victory against Southampton. Questions had been asked about the 42-year-old’s position as, before the result, Villa had won just twice in their last 11 Premier League games.
Leeds United are unbeaten in their last three trips to Villa Park going into Sunday’s clash. A thrilling 3-3 draw in February saw the Whites snatch a point from two goals down.
Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor - a lifelong Villan - insisted Gerrard can relax slightly now the tension has been lifted. The ex-striker also highlighted how teams have previously won trophies despite not playing attractive football.
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“Sometimes you’ve got to be honest,” Agbonlahor said. “He (Gerrard) said it wasn’t the best football but he got a result, that’s what it’s about at times.
“Managers will get sacked and players will be judged more on results. Some players aren’t at it at times and you get the result, the pressure is now off.
“If they had played a lot better and lost the game by a lucky goal, then everyone wouldn’t be saying how well they played, they’d be saying ‘we’ve only got four points, Gerrard out’. He’s maybe learning a bit more now that yes, you want to play this amazing football, sometimes it’s not going to happen, you’ve got to get the result, get the three points.
“Teams have won Premier League titles and Champions Leagues not by playing the best football but by getting the result that’s needed. There’s a fine balance and I think he’s got that.”
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