Aston Villa

Aston Villa

Premier League • England

Pundit claims Steven Gerrard could be looking over his shoulder in Aston Villa sack talk

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard

Noel Whelan believes Steven Gerrard will be looking over his shoulder at Aston Villa, given that his first nine months at the club ‘haven’t been great’.

The former Leeds United forward insists the Liverpool legend needs four games this season to determine whether he has turned around last season’s ‘awful’ record.

Villa side slumped to a disappointing 2-0 opening-day defeat away at Bournemouth on Saturday. And going back to last season, that means Gerrard‘s men have won just two of their last 12 league outings.

The former Rangers boss has only managed 1.25 points per game since taking charge at Villa Park. His predecessor Dean Smith only fared a little worse at 1.15 points per game.

Gerrard has been backed heavily in the transfer window this summer though. Philippe Coutinho, Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos have all signed, with the hope of more to come.

But when asked about Gerrard’s job security, Whelan told Football Insider: “I think every manager is in a precarious position – it’s a results-driven business.

“The money he’s spent and the players he has brought in – it’s real quality.

“I’m not going to read into opening day defeats too much. I’d say it takes four games to get into the swing of things when starting a new season.

Gerrard already facing pressure at Villa

“Pre-season is one thing, but the start of a season is another. It’s a different class, different pace, and different game altogether.

“But you’ve got to say his start at Aston Villa hasn’t been great.

“His record over the last 12 games is awful, but he’ll be working hard to put everything right – I’m sure.”

Villa are back in action on Saturday when they host Everton in the lunchtime Premier League kick-off.

READ MORE: Steven Gerrard reveals only way dropped Tyrone Mings can force his way back into Villa team