Familiar energy is back in Prem

VERDICT FROM VILLA PARK

STEVEN GERRARD made his name as a dynamic midfielder – and he brought a restless energy to the touchline on his winning Premier League return as a boss.

Whereas once the Liverpool legend would have been charging around the turf in his pomp like a colossus, this time he constantly patrolled the home technical area.

Gerrard spent most of the game on his feet, studying the action ready to prompt his players – or referee Anthony Taylor.

And despite Villa being second best to Brighton for long spells, they triumphed with a late screamer from Ollie Watkins in front of the Holte End before Tyrone Mings made it cosy late on.

An ecstatic Gerrard did a double fistpump on the touchline.

Gerrard, who took the knee before kick-off, wasted little time before making himself heard, offering fresh directions to his new players inside the first minute.

He urged his side forward at the very first opportunity, when Watkins got the ball on the turn near halfway.

It helped Villa make a bright start as both fullbacks, Matty Cash and Matt Targett, pushed up and saw action around the visitors’ box.

Villa’s lively start ensured home fans sang “Steven Gerrard’s claret and blue army” in the 11th minute. The new man applauded them in return.

He also wasn’t shy about appealing to referee Taylor when

Danny Ings was floored. Gerrard’s most regular pose was with his feet shoulder-width apart, arms folded or hands in pockets, as he watched on intently.

But at half-time, he strode purposefully for the dressing room as Brighton’s progress gave him plenty to address.

After the break, the visitors continued to be the more dangerous side.

It left Gerrard looking at his watch, and consulting his coaching staff about a change.

The introduction of Leon Bailey in the 65th minute for Ings saw Watkins move from the left to his more favoured central attacking berth.

Gerrard also threw on Ashley Young and Anwar El Ghazi in the closing stages. The changes paid off when substitute Young released Watkins to cut in from the left and unleash a right-foot rocket into the far corner of the net in the 84th minute.

Skipper Mings (above), dropped by Dean Smith for his penultimate game in charge, sealed the win, and Villa Park erupted.

It was an impressive finale from the hosts – especially as Gerrard had just two days to work with his new team all together, after the international break.

Villa ended a fivegame losing streak and this clean sheet was a welcome return to form for a defence which kept 15 shut-outs last term.

Gerrard soaked up the acclaim, marching on to the pitch to embrace his players and applaud the rocking stands.

Gerrard spent most of the game on his feet, studying the action, ready to prompt his players... or referee Taylor