[long_read]

Aston Villa moved to within two points of the play-offs after they comfortably beat fellow top-six hopefuls Nottingham Forest 3-1 at the City Ground.

Dean Smith's side fell behind in very unfortunate circumstances as a Jack Colback cross went in, but they quickly took control of the game with John McGinn scoring twice.

A rare goal from Kortney Hause gave Villa a strong lead and they secured a massive victory that makes it three wins on the spin now.

The play-offs seemed a long way off just a few weeks ago but now Villa will be seen as serious contenders for promotion, although they still have work to do.

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They sent out a clear message that they man business last night and here we look at THREE things we learnt from the game...

[snack_break title="John McGinn has to start"]

Most Villa fans know how good McGinn is but he had to start on the bench against Birmingham on Sunday because the side played so well prior to that.

So, it was still a big decision for Smith to bring the midfielder back in as Glenn Whelan hasn't done much wrong.

However, it was the right call. McGinn showed why he is the best player at the club in that role with two good goals and he justified Smith's decision.

[snack_break title="They aren't totally reliant on Jack Grealish"]

Villa's winning run has come about because Grealish is back in the side, there's no doubting that. He is clearly one of the best players in the league and he transforms the side.

But, whilst he was by no means poor last night, it was great for Smith to see others step up around him.

After two matchwinning performances, the attacking midfielder did well but it was his teammates who finally made the telling contributions.

[snack_break title="They have a new found resilience"]

Another massive area of improvement for Villa recently has been in defence.

The partnership of Kortney Hause and Tyrone Mings is proving to be very good, with the pair athletic, strong and capable of playing out too.

Forest have been excellent at home recently but they scored a fluke - which was the first goal Villa have conceded in three.

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