I'm a sucker for the David Bradley tribute to Villa that was played just before the kick off. As he said; "the lows only make the highs higher". What a transformation from Thursday night!
The formation change (long overdue) worked a treat. It looked like round pegs in round holes. With both Bailey and Watkins playing on their "natural" side it allowed them both to get at the defence without having to cut inside. (Gerrard was obsessed with the full backs providing the width, on the dubious premiss that it worked in Scotland).
Buendia seemed to revel in the freedom of playing more centrally and, a long last, the interplay between the front players worked a treat.
I also noticed how much more frequently the players were "hunting in packs" when pressing. More energy, more effectiveness.
It's only one game but it was a pleasure to be at Villa Park today.