That was, without a question, the performance of the season. Without question. We went looking for every goal and we bossed the game even if in the first half it took us a while to settle down.
But it isn't just the performance or the team effort or the support. There were some good goals tonight and some notable achievements.
Benteke got a hat-trick. Vlaar got his first and it was fantastic. Lowton set up Weimann with some great football and because we scored 6 we moved above Newcastle. And I should go into more detail, but I can't, I need to go celebrate because without question and I know I've written this already, that was the performance of the season.
The goals
The first goal was special though and it all started with Guzan. A free kick came in from Seb Larsson and Guzan was quick to act, kicking low and long to Gabby on the right who crosses and we have two shots at goal, the second comes back out to Vlaar 45 yards out and he runs with the ball for 7 to 10 yards before shooting low and into the bottom corner. It really was a great goal.
The second goal was all Lowton but scored by Weimann. There was a high cross field pass that Lowton intercepted and he ran with it before crossing to Weimann who slotted home. I'm worried that there will be bids for Lowton in the summer as he has really developed into a great player as the season has gone on. But that is another post and I don't think he will want to go.
The third goal was all Gabby. He picked up the ball outside the box and basically set himself up. The shot wrong footed the keeper who could only parry the shot and Benteke bent low to header home. I opened my second bottle of wine at this stage and it was a good one.
The fourth came direct from a corner. Yes, you read that right, direct form a corner. Played in by Lowton and Benteke heads in. He picked up this third not long after and our fifth before getting subbed for Bent.
And as if to top a special night, Gabby became our all time leading Premier League goal scorer going one on one with the keeper, taking it past him and slotting home and did I mention that that goal meant on goal difference we went ahead of Newcastle?
Performance of the season
Did I also mention that that was the performance of the season? That was really special and if we can beat Norwich next time out and get something against Chelsea, I fancy we can go to Wigan on the last day of the season not needing anything.
Now, this is a lot longer than I wanted, now I'm going for a beer because it's a great night to be an Aston Villa fan.