Steven Gerrard hired as Aston Villa manager

Birmingham (UK): Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard took his first coaching role in the English Premier League when he was hired as Aston Villa manager on Thursday, ending a 3½-year stint in Scotland where he transformed the fortunes of Rangers. Villa moved quickly to appoint Gerrard after firing Dean Smith on Sunday, with the club having lost five straight games in the league to drop to 16th place in the 20-team top flight

Sydney

Saudis spoil Australia’s homecoming in Sydney draw

Saudi Arabia spoiled Australia’s homecoming party by holding the Socceroos to a 0-0 draw today and retaining their three-point advantage over their hosts at the top of Asian World Cup qualifying Group B. Australia, playing their first match on home soil in more than two years, dominated possession but were unable to make the most of the opportunities they created in front of a crowd of 23,214 at a rain-soaked Western Sydney Stadium. Agencies