Credit where it's due

Fair play to Steven Gerrard.

Building on Arsenal, a recall for Douglas Luiz, a more resilient performance and the personality and commitment to bounce back from defeat.

Combine that with some great words from the players and far more humility from Gerrard and things feel a little better.

Rarely have we ever agreed with Gerrard but a repeat performance and a better result at Leicester and against Southampton will help springboard Villa under his stewardship.

Being brutal however we have been here before under the novice boss and been disappointed.

We haven't however been here before with a seemingly more enlightened Gerrard.

He has admitted he has a great deal to learn, as well as acknowledging that he has learnt a great deal as a nascent manager of a big club in a big league.

Would he have said such things a fortnight ago?

We know he wouldn't, so that's why we say fair play to Gerrard for at least admitting there are issues to be addressed in his managerial style.

Ultimately though It's up to him, not the team, to build on this.

He's proved this weekend he can listen and change. It's the first chink of light. We sincerely hope he grabs the opportunity to develop from here.