Aston Villa extended their unbeaten run in the Sky Bet Championship over the weekend but were made to work hard for their point against an improving Stoke City side.

Dean Smith has transformed the fortune of Villa following his arrival at the club, with eyes now firmly on the play-off places heading into a crucial festive period.

A seven-match unbeaten run has been put together, with Villa battling from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Stoke on Saturday.

Joe Allen had given the Potters the lead before Tammy Abraham equalised from the penalty spot. However, after some clumsy Villa defending, Benik Afobe had the chance to score a penalty, which he did.

It came down to Jonathan Kodjia to rescue Villa’s point and send them into the festive period in good spirits.

Here at FLW, we analyse the action, taking a look at FOUR things we learnt about Villa…

Jack Grealish was missing due to a shin injury.

In previous years Villa would’ve missed his craft, but they are still able to create and score, such is the quality they have in the final third.

Of course, Grealish was missed to a certain extent, but there’s no reliance on him anymore.

Villa are electric going forwards but they’re so poor at the back.

Stoke had numerous opportunities to score on Saturday and Villa need to tighten things up this Christmas and reinforcements are needed in the New Year.

In recent weeks we’ve seen Kodjia drop out of the starting XI, with Smith preferring Tammy Abraham in the lone striking role.

However, Kodjia stepped off the bench to score a crucial goal and prove his worth to his manager.

In a hectic festive period, the Ivorian will have a big role to play.

Despite a below-par performance, Villa picked up a point, which is an encouraging sign.

However, high flying Leeds visit next weekend and that’ll be a real test for Villa.

If they’re off the pace, Marcelo Bielsa’s side will punish them.