EPL: Gerrard aware ‘there is a lot of work still to do’ at Aston Villa

Steven Gerrard has recognised that “there is a lot of work still to do” at Aston Villa even with him winning his first two games in charge.

Matt Targett fired Villa ahead before John McGinn took the game away from Crystal Palace in the second half.

Marc Guehi scored in stoppage time but there was no time for a comeback as Villa picked up all three points.

Gerrard said: “Both our goals today were worked extremely well. One from a set-piece and that puts Ashley as the highest assist-maker at the club so well done to him.

“Our first-half performance was excellent, I thought in a lot of departments we were top but we knew we would have to roll our sleeves up in the second half because Patrick would make changes.

“Palace improved and made it difficult for us but we still had chances to score so it was a fantastic away performance and I’m really pleased to have six points from six so far.”

Scotland international McGinn clinched the away win with his third goal of the season late on and it helped Gerrard claim a first-ever win at Palace, having failed to taste victory during his six appearances at Selhurst Park as a player.

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The new Villa boss had praised the midfielder in the build-up to the game and added: “Both his performances since we’ve arrived have been outstanding.

“He came back from international duty in a really good place and he is the type of midfielder we need, someone to get into the box and score goals because we don’t want our midfield three to be the same.”