Aston Villa fans have suffered plenty over the last couple of years but not this afternoon as they blew Derby County away with a scintillating first half display.
Lead by Jack Grealish, who started the game as captain, the home team ripped the Rams apart with a stunning performance of free flowing attacking football to go into the break 4-0 up and with the game done and dusted.
Grealish was central to everything that was good about the home team as he pulled the strings in the middle of the park and the play-maker even popped up with one of the goals of the season. The talented local lad scored an outrageous first time volley from a corner in scenes reminiscent of Paul Scholes during his best days as a player.
There are two massive clubs but the emotions couldn't be any different today with the Villa fans delighted with their team, and in particular their captain...
People who don't think Jack Grealish is good at football should be lumped in with flat-earthers and rugby fans. - (@GeorgeElek)
If anybody doubted quite how good Jack Grealish is, watch any Villa game with him compared to without. It's ridiculous. Takes a special player to carry a team - (@martinlaurence7)
Oh my word Jack Grealish has just scored an absolute worldie - (@villareport)
The Derby fans though are starting to boil over on social media with the Rams once again starting their famous late slide down the table. The Rams have looked like dead certs for a play-off place for most of the campaign but their form is starting to slip and one or two are even starting to call for the head of their famous manager...
Lampard out #dcfc - (@dcfc_4_life)
We could potentially see the meltdown to end all meltdowns if things don’t improve now... - (@Julie_Cotters)
Frank Lampard would be on thin ice if his name was Steve McClaren. - (@WeahsCousin)
Oh boo hoo. Frank Lampard you absolute fraud. . Can’t wait till he gets sacked & blames it on Bielsa #dcfc - (@mrdavidnwood)
Even the Leeds fans are having their say on Lampard as the Rams season starts to fall apart and the former Chelsea star will know that he can't afford too many more days like today if he is to realise his dream and take Derby into the Premier League.
- First game since December
- Captain
- Scores one of the greatest volleys you'll ever see
What a return!
#AVFC