Strikes from Ollie Watkins, Douglas Luiz, Philippe Coutinho and Danny Ings help Villa to a superb, dominant win over Southampton in the Premier League. A fantastic team performance from Steven Gerrard’s side allow for consecutive victories and clean sheets, despite first-team absences within the squad. Let’s take a look at the main talking points from an enjoyable afternoon at home…

Defensive Woes? What defensive woes?

Following the break of the team news an hour before kick-off, many Aston Villa fans were shocked and surprised to see both Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa’s names missing from the squad sheet. The two were pictured in training photos during the week, and did not appear to pick up any niggles or concerns in the previous victory at the Amex Stadium against Brighton & Hove Albion. It is believed the pair miss out through COVID reasons, and it was Calum Chambers and Ashley Young who stepped up and started in Villa’s back four this weekend.

Naturally, many people were concerned as the ever-reliable Konsa and Digne are recognized starters in the side and felt their absence on the pitch would be felt, but the replacements were excellent, and showed they could come in and contribute when called upon.

This demonstrates the quality in depth at the club, and highlights the sheer progression the club has made over the last couple of seasons. In times past, if there was an injury to a key player, it would be drastic, and the team would be worse off and suffer as a result.

Pictured: Ashley Young celebrates with goalscorer Ollie Watkins who opened the scoring for his side.Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty ImagesAshley Young is a man that Steven Gerrard can rely upon, and the veteran’s solid performance at left-back this weekend supports the faith and trust from the Villa boss. Young, alongside his defensive counterparts, were ruthless at the back in the first half and forced Ralph Hasenhüttl into a half-time tactical change. The Austrian manager changed his team’s shape and replaced the struggling Mohamed Elyounoussi with wing-back Kyle Walker-Peters in an attempt to affect the game in the second showing.

Calum Chambers, partnering captain Tyrone Mings, kept the in-form duo of Ché Adams and Armando Broja quiet throughout the 90 minutes and also contributed magnificently at the other end of the pitch after sending a elegant ‘trivela’ pass through to Coutinho, who teed up Douglas Luiz for the tap-in.

The performances from the men who came in will install new-found trust and reliance into the Aston Villa fans, and if both Ezri Konsa and Lucas Digne miss the next fixture at Leeds United, they can feel comfortable knowing the replacements will fill in just fine.

Pay the money!

Ever since he made his debut in the comeback-inspiring performance at home to Manchester United in January, Philippe Coutinho has impressed each time he has pulled on a claret and blue shirt. Of course, the footballing world knew all about the capabilities of the Brazilian, but after a stunted numbers of years at FC Barcelona, there were questions at to whether or not the €143 million man could perform to the levels seen during his time at Liverpool.

However, under former teammate Steven Gerrard’s stewardship, the ‘little magician’ is back to his best and as his boss describes in his post-match interview with VillaTV: “he is a top, world class player”.

“I think when the game demanded that we needed to be physical and work hard, we stuck together, put our bodies on the line; the players gave that and more.”

Steven Gerrard reflects on a stunning win. ️ pic.twitter.com/eqRkPIYnTo

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) March 5, 2022

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By: liamayrtondavies
Title: Talking Points: Has it finally clicked for Steven Gerrard’s side, as Aston Villa see off Southampton?
Sourced From: 7500toholte.sbnation.com/2022/3/6/22962939/talking-points-aston-villa-4-0-southampton
Published Date: Sun, 06 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000