If this was Frank Lampard's vision for football reaching fruition, Derby County are on course for exciting times indeed.
Up against the division's best attack by far, Lampard fought fire with fire and burnt West Brom's house down.
Shorn of holding midfielder Craig Bryson to injury, Derby's manager decided against playing safe and instead packed his side with creative talents that overwhelmed West Brom.
Darren Moore's side had scored 31 goals in 13 games prior to the match and would have gone top with victory but ended up falling apart defensively.
John Terry made the trip across Birmingham ahead of Aston Villa's trip to Pride Park in a fortnight's time and will hand Dean Smith a report with much to consider.
Lampard though, ever the perfectionist, found aspects to criticise. 'I think we could have done more, scored more,' he said, rather scarily.
'I don't think our passing was as good as it can be. I'm not stupid enough to complain about a 4-1 win at a team who will be challenging for promotion, but it's not our best performance. I'm not playing mind games. There are areas for us to improve.'
Curiously Moore went the other way, positive to the point of being blinkered. 'I just thought it was a bizarre game,' he said.
'West Brom were in the ascendancy. We got into threatening positions but we didn't capitalise. Derby got their goals at important times.'
That ignores the obvious, which was Lampard's bold selection. He picked five outright offensive players and it paid off spectacularly.
Jack Marriott, Martyn Waghorn, Mason Mount, Tom Lawrence, and Harry Wilson formed a loaded attack that pressed high against West Brom's defence.
It was frenetic yet coordinated and forced a series of mistakes, the most glaring coming from Jay Rodriguez in the tenth minute.
Rodriguez tried for a back-pass but succeeded only in putting Marriott clean through. Still it was an accomplished finish, struck first time through the legs of Sam Johnstone, a third goal in as many games for Marriott.
Five minutes later Derby doubled their lead. Wilson traded passes with Lawrence and the Wales international cut inside Craig Dawson and hit a terrific shot that swerved into the slither of air between Johnstone's glove and the post.
Waves of Derby attacks followed although West Brom should have had a penalty when Scott Malone clipped Dwight Gayle.
After the break Harvey Barnes tried to halve the deficit with a drive from range that flew wide but in the 50th minute the contest was over. Kyle Bartley became the latest to add to West Brom's catalogue of defensive errors as Wilson fired in from 25 yards.
Derby added a fourth with 20 minutes left when Malone finished smartly. Rodriguez scored a late consolation, finishing when put through by Barnes.
Jacky2
0
Hahahaha brilliant news. Tesco carry bags bubbles have burst, teams have figured them out now. Will be a long season for them now
pompousz
0
Massive, massive wake up call for Darren Moore. His style has been showing cracks all season and now someone has cashed in. We do not have the players at the back to keep playing this type of game. We do not have a midfield capable of any creativity. We rely far too much on Harvey Barnes and Dwight Gayle. Chris Brunt has had it now, great servant but all things come to an end. Mears and R.Kanu are simply not up to standard. I was unsure in the summer with DM's appointment, we have done well but it hasn't been down to DM. We need more steel at the back, Bartley ain't the answer. Revert to a back four with Dawson in the middle with Hegazi, Gibbs LB and then go and buy a RB in Jan along with a midfielder who can create. This is where Moore earns his money, not in 7-1 wins but being able to raise his troops after two consecutive defeats. Poor tonight but it is only one game.
Lebronking
2
Frank Lampard working wonders at Derby.
ukrainec
0
Great game. Well done Frank & lads. Harry Wilson has a great future ahead of him.
Ballballman
0
Super Frank and Super Rams! Come on, lads, get promoted!
doltish
0
Against Manchester United was good. Saturday was better. But this was ruthless! WBA were carved apart time after time, and with a bit more calmness and a touch of luck, Derby could have gone in 5-0 up at half time. The pressure put onto Albion's less comfortable defenders when in possession was a tactical masterstroke. It panicked them, and Derby never looked back from 2 nil up. Just need to find a way to sign Mount and Wilson on permanent deals!
ausoga
0
Derby are looking very gòod. Very good indeed!
Carybary
0
Never a chelsea fan but really glad to see a young and upcoming manager doing so well. We need new some fresh faces in the PL. The merry go round of Pulises, Hodgsons, Bruces, Pardews, Hughes etc must goz
yearbook
0
Altogether now,to the tune of The Lords My Shepherd...Four one,four one,four one,four one.Four one,four one,four one.
Mustanger
0
All four one and one four Albion.
puyueer
0
A chance to go top of the table passed up by Albion who couldn't cope with Derby at all. How many teams who get automatic promotion get hammered 4-1 at home on the way? It's looking like play-offs at best for the Baggies.