Aston Villa ruthlessly racked up the goals to thrash Derby County on this day in 2008, in a match that will always be remembered for Stiliyan Petrov’s stunning goal.
The relegated Rams started the match in a tenacious mood at Pride Park, but they soon capitulated once Villa’s attack got going.
Ashley Young’s free-kick evaded Roy Carroll, who was under heavy pressure from the imperious Olof Mellberg, to open the scoring after 25 minutes.
Less than 60 seconds later, John Carew hammered home from outside the box before Petrov took centre stage to make it 3-0 before half-time.
The Bulgarian controlled a poor clearance from Carroll on his chest and sent a dipping half-volley flying over the ‘keeper’s head and into the back of the net.
Villa didn’t take their foot off the gas after the restart, with Gareth Barry, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Marlon Harewood all getting on the scoresheet to cap a memorable day for every Villan.
The result, performance and, in particular, Petrov’s goal left manager Martin O’Neill ecstatic in his post-match interview.
He said: "His goal was absolutely sublime and I am very pleased for him. The Aston Villa fans have not seen too much of that from him.
"He feels very confident and I am hoping this is the momentum he needs to be a very successful player in the Premier League, which he is capable of.
"I think he lost his confidence and he was pretty down. Knowing him from his days at Celtic I knew he would not take it lying down and want to prove that he is a quality player.
"Him hearing Villa fans chant his name will have done him a lot of good.”
