Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has praised his side for their reaction to a 'poor' first half against Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag's side looked set to continue their fine pre-season form as they dominated the opening 45 minutes against Villa. Thanks to goals from Jadon Sancho and a Matty Cash own-goal, United headed for the break with a two-goal lead.
As the playing surface worsened thanks to a torrential downpour, wholesale changes from Gerrard saw his side revitalised in the second half as United's dominance faded. Within just four minutes of the restart, Leon Bailey halved the deficit before Calum Chambers headed home in stoppage time to earn a draw.
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"It was very difficult to play football tonight – the conditions were extremely tough for both sets of players," Gerrard told Aston Villa's official website. "I was really pleased with a lot of our defensive shape first half but we got one or two things wrong and conceded goals on the back of that.
"We weren’t good enough in possession to create in the first half. Second half was totally different. I thought our performance deserved to take something from the game.
"I thought we could have scored another couple of goals. We had individuals who stepped forward and were outstanding. People have really jumped out in that second half and let me know they really want to be in the starting XI.
"I’m pleased because I was frustrated at half-time, we had to iron a few things out. The players have gone out and been different in the second half for the better."
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