Steven Gerrard 'thankful' for Anfield reception as Aston Villa beaten on return

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard did not want to go ‘gung ho’ on his return to Anfield for fear of a thrashing (Nick Potts/PA)

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard admits he possibly could have been more ambitious on his return to Anfield but he did not want to go “gung ho” and be on the end of a thrashing.

The match was decided by Mohamed Salah’s 67th-minute penalty – his 21st goal of the season – after he was brought down by Tyrone Mings but Villa created plenty of problems in the last 15 minutes when Gerrard sent on Danny Ings and Emiliano Buendia.