Watch Liverpool Legend Steven Gerrard Celebrate After Aston Villa Take Lead At Man City

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard celebrated with a swing of his fist after watching Matty Cash boost Liverpool's title hopes with a goal against Manchester City.

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard denied claims this week that he would be extra motivated to get a win over Manchester City because it could help Liverpool win the Premier League.

City went into the final day of the season one point ahead of Liverpool, meaning that if they were to beat Villa then they could not be caught.

Gerrard made 504 Premier League appearances for Liverpool as a player and is widely considered to be a club legend.

But he stressed in the build-up to Sunday's game that his focus would be on Villa, not Liverpool.

"It is disappointing when people mention integrity and aim it towards me or Aston Villa or any of my players," Gerrard said, as quoted by Manchester Evening News.

"We'll go out at the weekend and give it everything we've got to try and get points for Aston Villa and our supporters.

"If that inevitably helps Liverpool, fantastic, but my priority is to try and get points for Aston Villa."

Gerrard's quest for points got off to a superb start as Villa took a shock lead on 37 minutes at City's Eithad Stadium.

Matty Cash heads Villa into the lead over Manchester City!

Manchester City and Liverpool are tied on points, but City lead due to goal differential.

📺: @NBC & @PeacockTV#MCIAVL | #ChampionshipSunday | #MyPLMorning pic.twitter.com/ms5ST3JqJR

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) May 22, 2022

VILLA TAKE THE LEAD!!

Matty Cash fires in a header to put Aston Villa in front at the Etihad 😱 pic.twitter.com/uULS2aVBmq

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 22, 2022

Matt Cash headed in a cross from Lucas Digne and, watching on from the sidelines, Gerrard looked rather pleased.

Gerrard controlled his emotions but celebrated by swinging his right fist though the air.

There was more Villa joy on 69 minutes when Philippe Coutinho, who had played alongside Gerrard at Liverpool, made it 2-0 to the visitors.

But then City switched on the style and scored three goals in less than six minutes to win the game 3-2 and clinch the Premier League title.

Villa left the Etihad Stadium empty-handed, while Liverpool had to settle for second place despite their 3-1 win over Wolves helping them reach 92 points - the eighth highest total in EPL history.

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard pictured (left) shaking hands with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola ahead of their final match in the 2021/22 Premier League season :: IMAGO/Sportimage/Darren Staples