It seemed too obvious to suggest a great midfielder would fix Villa’s disorganised centre, but that’s exactly what he’s done
By Martin Laurence for WhoScored
Things can change quickly in
Football. At the start of October, following an extremely rare victory at Old Trafford, Aston Villa were just four points off the top of the table. Given his standing with the fans and his achievements at the club, Dean Smith looked secure in his
Job. Five weeks and five consecutive defeats later – with the club just two points above the relegation zone – the board took the relatively divisive decision to part ways with one of the most popular managers in their history.
A little over a month later Smith was in the opposing dugout as Villa beat Norwich and secured a fourth win in six matches since his departure. What were rapidly dwindling hopes of qualifying for Europe are suddenly rekindling under Steven Gerrard. Not only has the new manager won over the minds of a group of players who were hurting, but he has also secured the hearts of many among the fanbase.