By Noel Whelan

15th May, 2022 | 10:30am

Aston Villa news: Steven Gerrard slammed for 'too much talking' after latest swipe - pundit

Noel Whelan has urged Steven Gerrard to focus on the performances of his Aston Villa players rather than blaming referees for their results.

The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 41-year-old is feeling the “pressure” at Villa Park after swiping at Jon Moss.

Speaking at his press conference after Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, as relayed by Sky Sports (11 May), Gerrard revealed he wanted Moss’ performance “looked at”.

When told the 51-year-old is retiring at the end of the season, the Villa boss replied: “Is he? Good”.

Whelan insisted there is “too much talking about referees at the minute”.

He suggested Gerrard needs to look at his own players rather than the officials.

Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Come 90 minutes at the end of the game, nothing is going to change. Referees have a difficult job as it is and I think Steven Gerrard should know that as a player.

“It’s about losing a game. He’s very competitive and he doesn’t want to lose. He’s always been that, he’s a winner, a serial winner, Steven Gerrard.

“Look, there were a few moments where you would think to yourself: That’s a free-kick,’ but you can’t always get it right. I do believe that over the course of the season, it does level itself out with decisions that go for and against you.

“I just think it’s emotions after a defeat, especially with Steven Gerrard. He probably kicks every ball out there for the players as well. The game is going to leave you upset and emotionally drained. It was against his old club as well.

“I think there’s too much talking about referees at the minute but that’s what pressure does. Pressure makes you blame other things rather than looking at your own players and your performance.”

In other news, £50million-plus Aston Villa transfer claim issued after West Ham twist.