What Steven Gerrard said about Aston Villa’s defending after 3-3 draw with Leeds

Villa surrendered a two goal lead after Leeds fought back to earn a point in a thrilling fixture at Villa Park
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Aston Villa and Leeds United played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at Villa Park last night (9 February).

Philippe Coutinho produced a dazzling display with a goal and two assists, with Jacob Ramsey scoring twice for the home side, but Villa still lost a 3-1 lead as Marcelo Bielsa’s side fought back for a well earned point.

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Coutinho’s second goal in three games and Ramsey’s double had put the hosts in charge after Daniel James’ opener.

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard with Matty Cash at full-time. Pic: Clive Mason.Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard with Matty Cash at full-time. Pic: Clive Mason.
Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard with Matty Cash at full-time. Pic: Clive Mason.

James made it 3-2 in first-half stoppage time and Diego Llorente levelled just after the hour to earn Leeds a point.

Following the game, Gerrard reflected on the performance, and said his side have a lot to improve on defensively.

Speaking to Aston Villa’s official website, he said: “I’m not sure either coach was in control of that one – it was chaos at times. There was a lot of good play and there’s a lot to be proud and pleased about.

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“Some of our forward play was magic – Philippe, JJ and with some of our movement we could have scored more goals. Really pleased on that side, but from a defensive point of view there was a lot to pick out, grow from and learn from, which we will.

“You’ve got to give credit to Leeds as well, they’ve played their part. We gave a lot to the game, so I’ll have to do a lot thinking about the team I go for at the weekend because our numbers today are through the roof.”

James opened the scoring after nine minutes, collecting Llorente’s ball after Tyrone Mings’ mistake and drilling across Emi Martinez.

It was a tough night for Mings, and the Wales winger hit the bar as Leeds continued to threaten before Coutinho turned on the style in a devastating 13-minute spell.

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First he collected Matty Cash’s centre after half an hour to steer in the leveller. It was just the start and a brilliant turn and pass after 38 minutes sent Ramsey clear to score.

The pair combined again two minutes before the break when Coutinho broke to find Ramsey and the midfielder drilled in high past Meslier for his fifth goal of the season.

Leeds were not done though and James headed in from close range to pull a goal back in first-half stoppage time.

The visitors chased a leveller and Mings cleared Pascal Struijk’s header off the line but could do nothing to stop Llorente’s 63rd-minute equaliser.

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The England defender failed to get enough on a clearance following Struijk’s knockdown and the ball fell to Llorente to slam in.

Villa lost Emi Buendia to injury with Coutinho also going off and then had Konsa dismissed with three minutes left after he needlessly blocked Meslier to earn a second yellow.

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