Aston Villa: Gerrard now facing decisive two weeks at Villa Park

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard can secure his managerial future with the club if he beats Leicester City and Southampton, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by Villa on Saturday evening, a result that no doubt eased the pressure growing on Gerrard in the dugout.

Many Aston Villa fans may well have been watching their clash with Pep Guardiola’s side through their fingers, with City coming into the game off the back of a 6-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

New striker Erling Haaland had also just scored back-to-back hat-tricks but, although he continued his goalscoring run on Saturday, an impressive performance from the hosts ensured the Norwegian and his teammates only came away with a point.

It was Leon Bailey who equalised for Villa after Haaland had opened the scoring in the second half, ending a run of three consecutive Premier League defeats.

Next up for the club are two very winnable games. First, rock-bottom Leicester City play host to Gerrard’s side before Southampton make the trip north on September 16.

Jones says that the next two games will be absolutely crucial for the future of Gerrard’s career.

The journalist suggests that, if Villa can pick up two wins, then talk of firing the Liverpool legend will come to an end in the Midlands.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I think they’ve got two big games coming up now for Gerrard. If they can beat Leicester and Southampton, then talks over his future will just be swept under the rug and he’ll be safe for a bit. He needs that relief so he can then step back during the international break and reassess how they can push back up the league.”

Leicester are yet to pick up a win this season, conceding 16 goals in the process. But Brendan