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Lewis Grabban’s 29th minute header ensured Villa a play-off spot against a young Leeds side who put up little in terms of resistance.
Apart from a period early on in the second-half, the game was always a case of how many Villa could score against Leeds goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
However, Sam Johnstone was the first keeper to be tested, tipping Ezgjian Alioski’s shot over the bar.
But it didn’t take long for the home side to assert their dominance. After some good build up play, Robert Snodgrass’ shot curling shot was pushed away by Peacock-Farrell, who was on hand again to head away the ball to deny Johnathan Kodjia a one on one soon after.
Most of our good work in the first-half came through Ahmed Elmohamady and Robert Snodgrass on the right, but Jack Grealish’s assist for Grabban’s goal came from the opposite side. The 22-year-old floated a ball in and Grabban got above Matthew Pennington to head home.
Where as Leeds were fairly passive in the first-half, the Whites showed more willingness to attack in the second, a big reason being Samuel Saiz’ introduction into the fray.
Ronaldo Veira’s shot from just outside the box didn’t necessarily test Johnstone, but it was a warning for Villa to stay concentrated.
Grabban could’ve got added to his tally when Snodgrass’ dinked ball over the top was seized upon, but Peacock-Farrell stood tall to make the block.
After 67 minutes Albert Adomah came on for Kodjia, and the Ghanaian illustrated his attacking intent by getting on the end of Grealish’s lofted pass, but the angle was too tight to test Peacock-Farrell properly.
And talking of substitutes, Scott Hogan was denied a one on one following a great last ditch tackle from Pennington, who had a solid game for the Whites at the back.
A wins a win, even if it’s against a Leeds side with not much to play for. Yes it’s annoying that we could be talking about being in pole position for an automatic promotion spot had a couple of recent results gone our way, but momentum is building. Momentum which we can carry into the play-offs. UTV.
Words by Harry Trend (@HazaTrand) // Follow us on Twitter (@claretandview)
