The club’s decision was announced shortly after Gerrard’s side suffered a 3-0 aggregate defeat by Fulham at Craven Cottage – Villa’s sixth defeat in just 11 Premier League games. The statement released after the match read: “Aston Villa Football Club can confirm that manager Steven Gerrard has left the club with immediate effect. “We would like to thank Steven for his hard work and commitment and wish him well in the future.” The former Liverpool midfielder replaced Dean Smith at Villa Park on 11 November 2021 but lasted less than a year before becoming the fourth top-flight manager to lose his job this season, following Scott Parker, Thomas Tuchel and Bruno Laz. Gerrard admitted he was in a “very difficult position” in the immediate aftermath of Villa’s heavy defeat in south-west London. The former Rangers manager insisted he would not be stepping down from his role but was given no choice in the matter as Villa’s board moved quickly to remove him. Ex-Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino and ex-Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel have been linked with the role, but it remains to be seen whether either could be lured to Villa Park. “I’ve been sending messages to the fans over the last few weeks because I certainly share their frustration and their pain,” Gerrard said in his post-match press conference. “I’m somebody who’s honest. I know they’re not enjoying it right now – I’m certainly not enjoying it – so we’ll see what happens next. But you know and I know I’m in a very difficult position right now. “The performance was miles away from what I want, expect and support. I understand the fans’ frustration and it was a far cry from how we looked at the weekend. We’re in this situation, I’m in it to face the tough questions because the reality is that it is not good enough for the club. “These decisions are out of my control. I have been in the game for a long time, I understand the situation and I will not spoil the situation or give anyone false lines. I want to be as honest as I can. “We’ll see what happens moving forward. But football is in my DNA and quitting certainly isn’t, so we’ll see what happens moving forward.”
Game over for Gerrard at Villa
Sky Sports’ Dan Sansom: It was another sad day for Steven Gerrard. A miserable performance and result against Fulham at Craven Cottage left Aston Villa hovering above the relegation zone on goals scored. Just 90 minutes after the final whistle, they confirmed the departure of their manager. You get the feeling this was always going to be a must-win game for Gerrard, who was already under pressure having seen his side lose five of their first 10 games this season. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player FREE WATCH: Highlights from Steven Gerrard’s last game as Aston Villa lose 3-0 to Fulham Harrison Reid’s fine strike, Aleksandar Mitrovic’s penalty and Tyrone Mings’ own goal gave Fulham a deserved 3-0 win, but Villa were poor throughout and their night was summed up when Douglas Luiz was sent off for a woeful header in the second half. There were loud boos from the traveling fans at half-time and at the end, while chants of “Steven Gerrard, leave our club” sent a clear and damning message to the Villa board. “You know and I know I’m in a difficult position at the moment,” the 42-year-old said in his post-match press conference. And so it turned out. Villa’s wait for a first win since September 16 continues. They will now have a new man in the dugout when the next one finally arrives.
Analysis: Writing on the wall for Gerrard after the last step back
Sky Sports’ Ron Walker at Craven Cottage: Tell me your game plan didn’t work without telling me. Steven Gerrard made one change to Fulham from their encouraging defeat at Chelsea on Sunday, bringing on Jan Bednarek for Matty Kass. Forty-five minutes after that nightmarish night at Craven Cottage, he swapped them again. It was a striking example of a night where Gerrard’s set-up unravelled. But ultimately, so did his spell at Villa Park after a defeat that raised too many question marks about where his often rudderless side were headed. Image: Aston Villa fixtures Villa have lost key elements through injury but that does not explain their rot, losing six of their 11 league games in 2022/23. They had enough to produce all but the final ball against Chelsea on Sunday. At Fulham they struggled to break out of their own half for long periods. Nor is their poor form a recent problem. Villa have won two of their 11 games this season and two of their last 11 last season, with Gerrard often struggling to determine the style or formation of his admittedly unbalanced squad. Gerrard’s mood in what turned out to be his final press conference had a sense of resignation to his fate – the manager himself won’t resign, but even he couldn’t explain why he was the man to topple things. It was clearly not a question Christian Purslow or the Villa board could answer. When the team’s manager departed Craven Cottage, Gerrard’s future was sealed. The man lauded for his incredible unbeaten season at Rangers just 17 months ago has been left pondering his next move, with his stock significantly lower at the end of a hugely underwhelming spell.”
Rodgers: Gerrard’s sacking is very disappointing
Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Brendan Rodgers believes his former captain Steven Gerrard deserved more time as Aston Villa manager and believes patience is running thin in football. Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers speaking after the Foxes’ 2-0 win over Leeds: “Bitterly disappointed. He did a fantastic job at Rangers, I guess Villa’s ambitions are to be in a European position. Consistency and patience wears thin in football. “Really, really disappointed for him. I think with patience he would have gotten them where he wanted.”
Who is the favorite to replace Gerrard at Villa Park?
Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is the current market leader with Sky Bet, who offer odds of 5/4 for the Argentine to take over from Gerrard. QPR boss Michael Beale – who turned down the Wolves job earlier on Thursday – follows at 4/1, with Brentford manager Thomas Frank (8/1), Sean Dyche (10/1), Unai Emery (12 /1) and Rafa Benitez. (18/1) next.
Aston Villa’s remaining games before the World Cup
Brentford (H) – 23 October, 14:00 Newcastle (A) – 29 October, 15:00 Manchester United (H) – November 6, 14:00 Manchester United (A) – November 10, 20:00 – Carabao Cup third round Brighton (A) – 13 November, 14:00
