Just three days after Steven Gerrard was sacked as manager, Aston Villa have bounced back by going 3-0 up after 15 minutes in their Premier League clash against Brentford.
Villa's caretaker manager, Aaron Danks, made some bold changes following Thursday's damning defeat to Fulham – and it clearly worked a treat.
He dropped captain John McGinn, who featured under Gerrard in all 11 of their league games this season, and brought in Leander Dendoncker, Emiliano Buendia and Matty Cash.
Danks would soon see his just rewards in the opening minutes, when the home side went ahead after just two minutes thanks to winger Leon Bailey.
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Four minutes later and Danny Ings would make it two with a close range finish.
And the 30-year-old forward wasn't done there. He soon made it three with 14 minutes played, slotting away a penalty with ease after Kristoffer Ajer hauled down Tyrone Mings in the area.
The post-Gerrard era is certainly going to plan in the early stages.
After taking just nine points from 11 games this season – a record that leaves Villa lingering around the relegation zone – Gerrard was sacked following the club's 3-0 defeat against Fulham.
In a statement on their official website, the Villans confirmed that the former Liverpool midfielder would leave with immediate effect after just 11 months in charge.
A club spokesman said: “We would like to thank Steven for his hard work and commitment and wish him well for the future.”
Villa have won just two out of eleven games in the league this season but they are on their way to all three points against Thomas Frank's Brentford after a blistering start.
So who will take over as Villa boss after Gerrard's dismissal? There are a number of potential candidates being linked with the post, including former Tottenham and PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Thomas Tuchel has also seen his name thrown into the hat, but the German is not interested, according to The Telegraph, who suggest he will politely decline an offer – even if big wages are put forward.
Other names being mentioned are Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim, Unai Emery and former Burnley manager Sean Dyche.
Thoughts on Villa's incredible start to their clash against Brentford?
Let us know in the comments.
Topics: Aston Villa, Steven Gerrard, Brentford, Danny Ings, Premier League
Jack Kenmare