Gerrard certainly had the last laugh
Steven Gerrard stared down Everton fans as Aston Villa secured an important victory against the Toffees in a fiery encounter at Goodison Park.
Villa headed into the half-time break with a 1-0 lead courtesy of Emi Buendia’s spectacular header – with the Argentine glancing Lucas Digne’s corner past Jordan Pickford.
As Gerrard and his players went back to their dressing room, the Villa manager was subjected to a barrage of verbal abuse by the Everton supporters behind the goal.
Just like he did at Old Trafford earlier this month, the former Liverpool captain embraced the abuse and stared down the fans seated in the Park End Stand.
Make no mistake, Steven Gerrard is fully up for this! 😤 pic.twitter.com/zW7wmr3Gxf
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 22, 2022
Earlier in the match, Lucas Digne was hit by a bottle thrown by an Everton supporter as Villa celebrated Emi Buendía opening goal.
Digne – who left the Toffees to sign for Steven Gerrard’s side on January 13 – was struck by an object as he dropped to the ground, with Matty Cash also appearing to be caught by the bottle as he also fell to the floor clutching his head.
A tannoy announcement heard during the second half at Goodison Park said: “This is a club safety announcement. Should anyone be found throwing bottles or any other items on the pitch you will be arrested and banned from the club.”
Despite a much-improved Everton in the second period, Villa were able to hold onto their lead and move into the top half of the Premier League table.
The victory was particularly special one for Gerrard, who shares a bitter rivalry with Everton given his ties with city rivals Liverpool.
In contrast, the defeat leaves Everton down in 16th after slumping to their third straight league defeat.
Related links:
- Steven Gerrard trolls Man Utd fans after Aston Villa FA Cup defeat
- Steven Gerrard makes approach to bring Luis Suarez to Aston Villa
- Steven Gerrard booed by Man Utd fans on first return to Old Trafford
