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Steven Gerrard annoyed with officials for offside call on "legitimate goal"

Steven Gerrard was left frustrated after officials admitted they were too hasty to call offside before Philippe Coutinho hit a potential winner against Manchester City.

Coutinho fired home a 20-yard strike off the underside of the bar but referee Simon Hooper had already blown his whistle for offside, only for replays to show the Brazilian was in fact onside in the build-up.

Villa boss Gerrard says it was a "legitimate goal" ruled out and claims the officials have since recognised they called the offside decision too quickly.

"I've gone and spoke to the officials calmly after the game," Gerrard said. "I've given enough time and I've asked for their side of it.
"Listen, I always try and understand their side of it. But the referee has blown the whistle too soon.
"I know there's a slight rule change in terms of not waiting too long for these whistles and flags. I understand that rule change.
"But I think when something is so tight it's worth that little extra bit time and we could have scored a second goal tonight, for sure.
"Obviously that moment and those decisions have gone against us but fair play to the officials. They've recognised that in the room afterwards."
Four defeats from their opening five Premier League games has led pressure to mount on Gerrard's position at the Villa Park helm.
Gerrard's side were on course for a fourth straight defeat after Erling Haaland scored his 10th goal in six appearances early in the second half, with Kevin De Bruyne hitting the bar as City pushed for another.
But Leon Bailey rifled home a superb equaliser in front of the Holte End and Villa secured a much-needed 1-1 draw.
"I think the players stuck at it," manager Gerrard said. "I don't think anyone gave us any hope or a chance before a ball was kicked today.
"It was important that inside the dressing room we had belief and courage because you need it against City. You need it in both sides of the game - out of possession and in possession.
"I'm really pleased and proud with what the players have given today and I don't think anyone can be begrudge us that point and it's a big point."

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