So far I still expect Aston Villa to be stronger under Gerrard, because at the time of Gerrard's arrival last season Aston Villa looked to be making promising progress this season.
I don't think so, or rather imo i didn't notice any sort of improvement for Aston Villa since Gerrard arrived as manager, they have been unconvincing and have struggled continuously, Gerrard's record as Villa boss isn't all that impressive too, IIRC he has managed around 35 premier league games and has lost 16 of them, that is not an encouraging record and that is why Villa have never been comfortable on the table since he has been manager, they have 8 points this season, just four more than the team in rock bottom, we might see them in that position sooner or later.