Writing in his programme notes in the build-up to this match, Steven Gerrard had challenged his players to produce a performance to make Aston Villa supporter Prince William proud.
And as the Premier League returned to action for the first time since the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Gerrard’s men gave the Prince of Wales the chance to celebrate a victory. It was not a classic performance, but Jacob Ramsey’s goal shortly before half-time was enough to ensure Villa squeezed past Southampton and claimed only their second win in the league this season.
Had Villa lost this one, Gerrard might have felt a little jittery heading into the international break.