OPINION
Aston Villa took a big step in their hunt for a top six finish come the end of the season with a confident 3-0 victory over Middlesbrough on Saturday evening.
The Villans took the lead at the Riverside with a first half goal from James Chester, the centre back managing to force the ball over the line after it fell his way from a corner, before Tammy Abraham turned a low cross in from close range to give Dean Smith’s side some serious breathing room.
A goalkeeping error from Darren Randolph put the icing on the cake as the visitors climbed up to eighth in the table.
Villa started the day in 10th while Boro were flying high in third but the quality on show in the north east all came from the visitors, with Tony Pulis’ men struggling to impose themselves against a Villa side brimming with confidence.
So what can the Villa faithful take away from their important three points?
This is Futbol has picked out three things learned from their clash against Boro:
El Ghazi finally at his best
After coming off the bench to net a stunning goal in the baffling 5-5 draw with Nottingham Forest, Dean Smith chose to hand Anwar El Ghazi a rare start for Villa – and what a decision it was.
The Lille loanee has taken his time to get the supporters excited about him but he is starting to show exactly why the club were chasing his capture over the summer.
He was a constant thorn in the Smoggies’ sides with his tricky footwork and pace on the attack and it finally appears as though he is at his best – it could not have come soon enough.
McGinn brings the necessary balance
After the goal-fest against Forest in midweek, this performance would have been a much less nerve-wracking watch for the Villa faithful and they have midfielder John McGinn to thank for that.
His presence in the midfield – having missed out in Wednesday’s outing – had a big impact on how the Villans operated, offering more stability in possession as well as off the ball.
He was a real miss when out with injury and so Smith and the Villans will be glad to see him back among the starting XI, for he is going to play a huge role on whether this season ends in success or failure for the club.
Nyland redeems himself after criticism
One man who came under seriously heavy fire against Forest was goalkeeper Orjan Nyland – as gathered here by This is Futbol – but how he has redeemed himself against Boro.
Some seriously smart stops – not least a fingertip effort which tipped Jordan Hugill’s strike onto the bar – show why he is the club’s number one and that much of the criticism coming his way was out of order.
He has silenced the critics with this display and there will not be too many questioning whether he has what it takes to be the first choice between the sticks.