New Villa boss Steven Gerrard focusing on defensive solidity as he gears up for Crystal Palace match

Steven Gerrard is determined to focus on Aston Villa’s defensive stability as he looks to record a victory at Crystal Palace tomorrow.

The Midlands club appointed the Liverpool legend as their new head coach on November 11 after sacking Dean Smith.

Late goals by Ollie Watkins and Tyrone Mings saw Gerrard start with a 2-0 victory over Brighton and end the club’s five-match losing streak.

Palace did the double over the Reds in Gerrard’s last season as a Premier League player – winning 3-1 at Selhurst Park and Anfield in the 2014-15 campaign.

Gerrard has warned there is plenty of hard work to do at Villa despite a positive start.

“It was the result we dreamt of, now we’ve got to prove we can go and back it up,” said the former England star. “Everything we asked the players to do, they did it.

“You can only go and win the game if you defend your goal well and there were a couple of match-winning blocks in the first half.

“We know we’ve got firepower and talented players. We just need to get the balance right to defend our goal and be organised. If we get the structure right then we’ll hurt teams.

“Nothing will ever replace being a footballer. That was the first dream and the only thing I wanted in life. But I’ve moved on. Now it’s about me giving these players support and trying to help them – to change their mentality into being winners.”