Aston Villa news: Pundit digs at Coutinho and teammate after ‘concerning’ reveal
Aston Villa were “wasteful” with their set-piece delivery during the loss against Newcastle, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the “final ball was lacking” for Steven Gerrard’s side during the away defeat.
Aston Villa had six corners to Newcastle’s three but failed to take advantage of the hosts’ defensive frailties during the 1-0 loss at St. James’ Park on Sunday (13 February).
Speaking post-match and quoted by Birmingham Live, Gerrard admitted Villa’s lack of opportunities was “concerning” – also claiming his side’s set-plays were “poor” during the clash.
Whelan suggested the former Rangers boss is still “learning a lot” about his Aston Villa side.
“Everything comes down to the delivery, and it was wasteful at the weekend,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“They’ve got players like Lucas Digne and Phillippe Coutinho able to provide quality from those sorts of situations – that’s what their game is all about.
“Set-pieces can win and lose you football matches, and that was the case again for Aston Villa against Newcastle. They created chances but the final ball was just lacking, it never really happened for them.
“They weren’t the same side going forward that we saw against Leeds United. They’ve got to make these dead-ball opportunities count, especially when chasing a game.
“Gerrard will still be learning a lot about his side and about the Premier League. It’s not easy, and he’s finding that out.”
Aston Villa have scored the joint-sixth most league goals from set-pieces this term.
Gerrard’s side sit 12th in the Premier League following the loss.
In other news, Aston Villa tipped by pundit to agree Jacob Ramsey deal after behind-the-scenes reveal.