Villa ease pressure on Gerrard as Premier League returns

Aston Villa eased the pressure on under-fire boss Steven Gerrard with a 1-0 win over Southampton on Friday as the Premier League returned following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The English top-flight was back in action for the first time since the Queen died aged 96 on September 8, with last weekend's games postponed as a mark of respect.

This Sunday's matches between Manchester United and Leeds and Chelsea and Liverpool, as well as Saturday's Brighton versus Crystal Palace fixture, have also been cancelled due to policing issues before the Queen's funeral on Monday.

Ahead of kick-off at Villa Park and the City Ground, where Fulham beat Nottingham Forest 3-2, there was a minute's silence followed by the national anthem in a tribute to the Queen that will be repeated at the rest of the weekend's matches.

There was also applause from fans at both stadiums in the 70th minute to mark the monarch's 70 years on the throne.

While the Queen's death cast a long shadow over the Premier League's return, Villa manager Gerrard could not afford to be distracted as he fights to save his job.

Jacob Ramsey's first half winner against Southampton was a huge boost for Gerrard, whose side started the day one place above the relegation zone.

Villa's first win in five league games came after an impressive draw with champions Manchester City in their last match two weeks ago.

For only the second time in their last 11 matches, dating back to last season, Villa finished with three points as they benefitted from a first clean-sheet in 12 games.

Gerrard restored Philippe Coutinho to his starting line-up and the former Liverpool forward played a key role in the much-needed victory.

Coutinho was the catalyst for Villa's 41st-minute opener. The Brazilian's