Aston Villa: Steven Gerrard could soon get 'final nail in coffin' at Villa Park

Aston Villa losing to Nottingham Forest could be the “final nail in the coffin” for Steven Gerrard, according to insider Dean Jones.

Poor form throughout 2022 has left Gerrard’s position at Villa Park under threat and Jones reckons that losing to the team at the foot of the Premier League table could have serious consequences.

When Gerrard arrived last November, he made a positive impact on proceedings and instantly improved results.

But the last nine months or so have generally been forgetful for Gerrard, even after spending close to £100m in the last two transfer windows.

Villa have won just eight times in their last 28 Premier League games, which is relegation form and explains why they ended up finishing 14th last season and find themselves in the same position at this current moment.

Gerrard’s side are currently on a three-match unbeaten run, including a draw with Manchester City, but Villa were unable to beat 10-man Leeds last weekend, which increased the pressure on the 42-year-old.

Beating Nottingham Forest would represent a decent run of form and could be enough to see Villa move close to the top-half, but anything less will only make his position as manager even more uncertain.

Asked what the outcome could be if Villa lose, Jones said: “In a way it would feel like a nail in the coffin for Gerrard.

“They’re already a growing number of fans who don’t like him. A lot feel like he is not the type of manager they want at the club.”

Despite being under extreme pressure, the fixtures are there for Gerrard to turn things around.

The home game against Chelsea aside, which comes next weekend, Villa have an extremely kind run before the season pauses for the World Cup.

They travel to Fulham, Newcastle, and Brighton, three