Steven Gerrard continued his superb start to life as a Premier League manager on Tuesday, as Aston Villa beat Norwich City 2-0 and moved into the top half of the table.
Jacob Ramsey's solo goal separated the sides for much of the contest at Carrow Road before Ollie Watkins wrapped things up late on, making it a miserable night for Dean Smith, the man Gerrard succeeded at Villa Park.
Having only lost to Manchester City and his beloved Liverpool, each by one goal, the 41-year-old's time back in the English top flight has hinted that he could well be just as successful on the touchline as he was on the pitch across his glittering playing career.
And the game provided an insightful look at Gerrard's blueprint for Villa, with the Anfield legend demonstrating his readiness to be a Premier League manager.
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Flying full-backs
Given how Gerrard managed to transform James Tavernier into one of Europe's most productive full-backs while at Rangers, it has been no surprise to see Matty Cash and Matt Targett thrive under their new gaffer.
Prior to kick-off, Cash ranked first in the Premier League for tackles and interceptions made this season with a whopping 70.
The recently-converted Poland international's tenacious approach to defending and willingness to get forward is exactly what Gerrard wants, having admirably dealt with marking the likes of Raheem Sterling, Sadio Mane and Harvey Barnes in recent weeks.
Ex-manager Smith knew exactly what his successor at Villa Park was getting from Cash, telling Sky Sports : "He is committed and you just knew that he was coachable.
"It is a big word, that, and it is an important quality for me to see in players because you want players to improve."
Meanwhile, Targett has also impressed, creating three chances in Gerrard's first match against Brighton & Hove Albion before scoring in the 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace.
At Carrow Road, it was more of the same, each contributing in both directions to pin Norwich back from minute one.
Cash also started the move for Watkins' sealer, playing a pinpoint long ball to Carney Chukwuemeka, who made the striker's task to finish an easy one.
Getting the best out of Buendia
Although it was not a challenge that any manager would envy facing, one of Smith's biggest criticisms towards his final days in Birmingham was being unable to find a system which worked following the £100million sale of Jack Grealish.
Having sold the club captain to Man City, the Villains snapped up Emiliano Buendia from Norwich and hoped the Argentine would help fill the creative void.
The 24-year-old managed has started four of Gerrard's six games and looks more like his old self, particularly shining against his former employers.
Buendia tormented Smith's side throughout the 90 minutes by creating two chances and managing two dribbles, reminding Canaries supporters of just what they lost before he was booed off in the 83rd minute.
Trusting in youth
For Gerrard's high-octane football, he needs plenty of fresh legs in his squad and has been able to implement that style by utilising Villa's youngsters.
Just two outfielders over the age of 26 started Tuesday's match, captain Tyrone Mings and 36-year-old winger Ashley Young.
Not only that but five of the Villains' nine-man bench were aged 20 or younger to make use of the club's acclaimed academy.
And their shining star right now is Jacob Ramsey, starting his 10th Premier League game of the season and marking it with a sensational goal.
Latching on to Watkins' lay-off, Ramsey skipped past a wave of yellow shirts and fired past Tim Krul to break the deadlock after 34 minutes.
But the 20-year-old did not rest on his goal, making two tackles and winning seven duels.
Likely to be a staple of Gerrard's side for years to come, Ramsey, initially brought through by Smith, appears to be under the right manager to come of age.
And to make the academy even prouder, Chukwuemeka's assist for their second goal showed the future is bright at Villa Park.
