It may only be three games into the new Premier League season for Aston Villa, although pressure is seemingly already mounting on manager Steven Gerrard, with little improvement having been made from last term despite a strong summer of recruitment.
Two defeats and a win thus far have ensured that the former Rangers boss has a dismal record of 14 defeats from his opening 30 league games in charge at Villa Park since his appointment back in November, having failed as yet to have the desired impact.
The 42-year-old has not been helped, however, by the loss of summer signing Diego Carlos, with the Brazilian defender set to be out for an extended period of time after suffering an Achilles’ injury in the victory over Everton last week.
The absence of the former Sevilla man could well see the Midlands outfit forced back into the market for another centre-back before the September deadline, with Chelsea starlet Trevoh Chalobah one name that has emerged on the rumour mill of late.