Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan believes that Steven Gerrard must now win back-to-back games in order to secure his job at Aston Villa.
Whelan was speaking prior to the club’s latest outing but admitted that he didn’t expect the club to take anything from the game with Chelsea on Sunday.
After a run of four matches without defeat, the Villans were beaten 2-0 by the Blues leaving Villa in 16th place just one point above the bottom three.
Steven Gerrard’s side must now go to Fulham on Thursday before welcoming Brentford three days later and Whelan feels that six points from those two fixtures is essential.
He told Football Insider:
“Steven will be the first to admit that it’s about results.
“It’s not even about great performances, it’s about getting those wins.
“It’s been frustrating for him and for everyone watching them. They’ve got a fantastic squad of players, but it’s just not clicking.
“They look void of ideas going forward. Draws just aren’t enough when playing against teams like Nottingham Forest, who they should be beating.
“He’s under massive pressure.
“The Chelsea game won’t be easy, but Fulham and Brentford – you’d expect them to get maximum points or the writing could well be on the wall for him and his job.”
TIF Thoughts on Whelan’s comments…
Is it time to get rid of Gerrard?
Yes, before it's too late
Judge him in May
In Gerrard we trust
Fulham and Brentford are in 11th and 9th respectively but a win on Thursday could potentially level on points with the Cottagers and just one off the Bees heading into the weekend.
However, considering Villa have only won two of their first ten fixtures, expecting them to win the next couple in succession does seem like a tall order. Although, it may be needed if Gerrard is to keep his place in the dugout with rumours swirling around already.
With the season that’s in it club’s have the opportunity to hit the reset button midway through the campaign and Christian Purslow may well make use of it.