Villa failed to play to their strengths
The loss of Agbonlahor was certainly a hindrance to Villa, the Midlands club lacked some much needed pace and were void of any runs in-behind, however, Gestede provided a whole different dynamic that yielded two goals. Sherwood elected not to utilise his strengths, especially in first =half, which ultimately cost The Claret and Blue despite the late surge. Both of Gestede’s goals came from a cross in which the Benin giant tormented Skrtel and Sakho in-flight. Unfortunately, those two pin point deliveries were few and far between, not because there was a lack of quality, but just a lack of effort.
Aston Villa seemed reluctant to whip the ball in, having only managed to do so 11 times. In a game that was severely dominated by Liverpool, why would you not throw the ball into the mixer when in position, rather than holding up the play and waiting for the Reds to reset defensively? Too many times the likes of Jordan Amavi and Grealish put their foot on the ball in an attempt to protect possession, only to be surrounded and eventually dispossessed by a Liverpool swarm. While off in the distance Gestede was left flailing his arms around in frustration, while the hosts sighed in relief.
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