Steven Gerrard stresses Aston Villa 'biggest problem' as transfer target fits the bill

For the second time in four days Steven Gerrard cut a really frustrated figure as Aston Villa failed to pick up maximum points once again. Villa have taken just nine points from their previous 10 matches which has seen them drop to 14th - a position Gerrard never wants to see his side plummet to again.

BirminghamLive’s Ashley Preece was at Villa Park for last night’s 1-1 draw with Burnley. Here’s some of the big talking points with the head coach outlining his biggest gripe in recent weeks as Villa continue to lack that cutting edge in the final third.

After slamming Ashley Barnes for his “elbow smash” on Tyrone Mings and, after issuing a passionate message to supporters, Gerrard’s most-telling comments last night evolved around Villa’s bluntness in the final third. Villa had 22 shots and nine on target against the Clarets with England stopper Nick Pope in inspired form.

Pope pulled off world-class saves to deny John McGinn and, late on, Bertrand Traore, while Villa only posted an expected goals score of 1.00 compared to Burnley’s 1.63, with Villa indebted to Emi Martinez and Tyrone Mings in their part to keep Connor Roberts and then Weog Weghorst out at the death.

“The issue for me is we need to solve a bigger problem; we’re creating chances but not scoring enough goals,” Gerrard said. “I want to challenge my players to find better quality. We created enough opportunities to score more. We can’t just say it was because the keeper played well. I’d like more quality in the final third.

“I think it can happen from time to time where you try and knock the door down with outcomes, crosses, asking questions and putting a lot of pressure on. But if the pattern keeps happening consistently and keeps coming back, it tells you