Former Aston Villa star Paul Merson has urged the Villans to take a look at Arsenal keeping hold of Mikel Arteta and give Steven Gerrard time.

The ex-Rangers boss is under pressure with the club struggling for form.

But Merson believes patience is needed and sights Arsenal not hitting the sack button when Arteta was struggling in North London and they have reaped the rewards.

Merson said: "Villa have to be careful because, at the moment, there aren't many teams that are playing worse than them.

"But you've only got to look at Mikel Arteta to determine Gerrard deserves more time to put things right."