Steven Gerrard finds long awaited Aston Villa solution vs Southampton

Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins combined for the first time as a strike partnership to give Aston Villa the lead in the first half yesterday, which could outline that Steven Gerrard has solved the squads greatest issue up front.

When Ings signed for Villa in the aftermath of the Jack Grealish transfer, many fans were hoping his international quality and goal scoring prowess at this level would help Watkins, who had just scored 14 goals as the lone striker for the club last season.

However, the duo failed to really thrive together in the opening stages of the season and instead of working simultaneously, Gerrard was faced with a choice to make, as it seemed apparent that the two couldn't operate in the same team as each other. Until the manager made a small tactical change that could have unlocked the star quality they possess up front.

Gerrard outlined that instead of being faced with the ultimatum of which striker to play, he wanted both to be capable of playing with each other. A shift from the familiar 4-3-2-1 formation to a 4-3-1-2 system has meant both strikers are on the pitch in a system that suits them both seem more comfortable whilst doing so.

This was made clear following the first goal yesterday, where Ings played a neat pass into Watkins who then proceeded to turn his defender and whip the ball into the back of the net to give Villa the lead. It was the first time the two have combined as a duo to get on the scoresheet and it not only gave their team the lead, it also gave every one associated with the club a sense of relief.

The issues the two England internationals have had whilst on the pitch together has perplexed many, so finally seeing the two combining in a fluid and exciting manner is a weight off