Former Arsenal manager Unai Emery is reportedly being eyed up as a potential replacement for Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa, as is Mauricio Pochettino.

The Lowdown: Gerrard under pressure

The Villains have made a disappointing start to their Premier League season, picking up just two wins from their opening seven matches and sitting 15th in the table.

It has led to pressure mounting on Gerrard, who is yet to fully convince Villa supporters since taking over from Dean Smith last November, with results far too inconsistent. With a positive result at Leeds United on Sunday vital, a key update has emerged regarding Gerrard's future.

The Latest: Emery being eyed up

According to Football Insider, Emery is being lined up as a possible replacement as Villa manager, having shone in charge of Villarreal since leaving Arsenal in 2020.

Pochettino is also mentioned as a potential successor to Gerrard, with the Argentine without a club after leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season. Gerrard's job is not believed to be 'under immediate threat' at this point, though.

The Verdict: An upgrade on Gerrard?

Emery's pedigree as a manager is undeniable, winning three Europa League titles during his time as Sevilla boss, not to mention a fourth with Villarreal in 2021.

Granted, the Spaniard didn't convince during his time at Arsenal, which could lead to doubts surrounding his credentials in the Premier League, but he may have learned from that experience and he is a far more experienced and proven boss than Gerrard.

On the flip side, the current manager still arguably needs time to turn the corner and prove himself - sackings can be far too knee-jerk in the modern game - so the situation should be assessed in another month or so, with results having to improve in that time.