OPINION
Aston Villa secured their best result of the season with a 3-0 away win over Derby County in a match which could spark their season into life under new boss Dean Smith.
After a goalless first half it was John McGinn who headed the Villans in front before he turned provider for Tammy Abraham, with Conor Hourihane netting a third.
The scoreline matched the performance from Villa, who put Derby to the sword in a second-half showing that will have put the rest of the Championship on notice.
Smith is now five matches into his reign, holding a record of three wins and two losses, and the 47-year-old will now be getting a grip on his best starting XI at Villa Park.
One change that he must look to make over the international break is bringing in Everton loanee Yannick Bolasie to the starting XI, with the DR Congo international helping to swing the game with a blinding substitute performance on Saturday.
Bolasie’s extra pace on the wing gave Villa more threat in attack, and his delivery into the box was outstanding – particularly his ball for McGinn’s opener.
Jonathan Kodjia has been doing an admirable job on the flank, but the Ivory Coast international is not really a natural wide player, and that shows more often than not.
Now that Bolasie is up to speed he is clearly a better choice for Villa, and Smith must now promote the 6’1″ speed machine [Transfermarkt] to the starting lineup on a regular basis.
His quality cannot be doubted despite his lacklustre return from a serious knee injury, and having an in-form Bolasie romping down the wings will see Villa become a seriously feared side in the Championship.