Marco Silva was delighted with his ‘dominant’ Fulham side after the Whites ripped apart Aston Villa in what proved to be Steven Gerrard’s last game in charge at Craven Cottage.

The hosts were on top from the first whistle and, after spurning several good chances, went ahead through a blistering drive from Harrison Reed ten minutes before half time. After Douglas Luiz was sent off for brainlessly butting Aleksandar Mitrovic, the Serbian made it two from the penalty spot after his shot had been handled by Matty Cash. Gerrard’s miserable evening by the Thames was complete when Tyrone Mings turned a Neeskens Kebano cross into his own net.

Silva told his post-match press conference that Fulham’s display was everything they had worked on in the build up.

“It was a great evening for us. It was a well-deserved three points and a great performance as well. Our first half was top level in my opinion. The way we played, the way we created chances, the way we were dominant, the way the players performed under our plan. We planned something, they understood and they performed really well.

Villa came here to do their maximum to get three points. We knew it was crucial for us to start on the front foot, to be dominant, to command the game. We knew that we could not switch off one second, we had to be always there and we did it. Congratulations to our players and to our fans as well because they play together with our fans, which is always important.”

The Fulham head coach was just as pleased with his side’s first clean sheet since August at Wolves.

“We knew that it was important for us to win and keep the clean sheet, the first at home this season. It’s something that we have been talking about. Finally we got the first clean sheet, and when it happens winning 3-0 at home, I can say that is the perfect night for us.”

Silva savoured Reed’s second goal in a Fulham shirt – after the all-action midfielder waited more than a hundred games for his first, which arrived last month at the City Ground.

“I’m really pleased for him, he deserves it. His work rate is fantastic. The way he works is always a very good example in our dressing room. And of course we are trying to get the best from him like we do with all the players. It’s good to see him perform at level he performed tonight.”