Aston Villa told to take Cameron Archer action after Newcastle defeat

Aston Villa suffered a "really bad day" at Newcastle United according to head coach Steven Gerrard after the Magpies secured a 1-0 victory on Sunday.

Villa produced a below-par performance against Eddie Howe's side who secured all three points courtesy of a goal from Kieran Trippier in the first half.

Ollie Watkins had a goal ruled out for offside, but in truth Villa endured a bad day at the office as Newcastle claimed all three points.

Gerrard said: "Look, collectively we need to improve. We've got a lot of work to do.

"We didn't deserve anything out of the game given the level of performance that we give. That's clear to me and some changes in the team need to happen as well.

"On the evidence of that, we're short in a lot of places. I think we slightly improved after the break and had a 10 to 15 minute period where we pushed but, in terms of what we created in the game today, that was a concern because I think we had one shot on target.

"I don't think Newcastle had to play ever so well to beat us. That's a big frustration as well. Obviously, the goal we conceded is poor from our point of view and our set-plays, for and against, were poor today so, listen, in a lot of ways we were way off it."

Dissecting Villa's performance after the game, fans had plenty to say about the decision to send Cameron Archer out on loan to Preston.

And they immediately wanted them to recall the forward from his loan at the Lilywhites where he is winning rave reviews for his performances having scored three goals in six games.

One supporter said: "That was quite simply an unacceptable performance.

"Zero urgency. Get Cameron Archer back for a front man who will actually have a dip. Make changes. Give Sanson a go? Newcastle offered