How Steven Gerrard could finally have solved Aston Villa's striker issue in Brighton victory

It was a return to winning ways for Aston Villa and it where a system with both Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings on the pitch seemed to be effective.

It was specifically a welcome sight for Watkins to get his name on the scoresheet. The striker was without a goal in 74 days and eight appearances for Villa prior to this, which may hint at why he looked so relieved after slotting his effort past Robert Sanchez in the Brighton goal on Saturday.

Watkins recorded a 100% dribbling success rate, six duels won, one key pass and two carries into the penalty area to go along with his goal. However, fans might be most encouraged by his work rate off the ball, which was reminiscent of last season as he hounded the opposition relentlessly.

He led the game in pressures with 36, which was also a season high for the player in this campaign. His stamina and ability to close opponents down was a key trait he displayed last season and some fans were beginning to question where it had gone in this campaign, so it was a welcome sight to see it return.

Like Villa, Watkins returned to basics in this game. He ran the channels well, worked tirelessly off the ball and in turn, his opportunity to get on the scoresheet came.

Speaking on the impact of Watkins in the game to Match of the Day, Steven Gerrard stated this: "I had the two numbers nines in, Ollie and Danny in the week and I said look, I don't want to be in a position where I'm playing one of you the one week and the other the next.

"I want my goals on the pitch, I want goal scorers on the pitch. So I gave them an opportunity together as two nines today, out of possession they were outstanding, selfless in the job they did for the team. Ollie gets his goal today but don't forget the work