WHAT HAPPENED
We picked up a valuable three points on the road, beating Aston Villa 2-0 thanks to a pair of second-half penalties from Trae Coyle.
We began the game positively and very nearly took an early lead when Bukayo Saka cannoned a fierce effort off the crossbar, while the rebound fell too quick for James Olayinka to react.
Shortly after, Saka came close again when he was played through only to see his low drive pushed away by Emmanuel Idem.
Following the break we started with the same impetus we had began the first half with, as Folarin Balogun stung the palms of Idem when he took aim from the edge of the area.
Although the initial effort was blocked, Saka picked up the ball, drove into the box and was felled, handing Coyle the chance to give us the lead, which he did so coolly.
Ten minutes later, Coyle was this time tripped in the area as Dominic Thompson swung in a dangerous ball. The forward stepped up once again and doubled up our lead.
Soon after Coyle almost bagged a hat-trick when he drilled a strong effort straight at Idem, which fell to Harry Clarke, who could only direct his effort over the bar.
WHAT IT MEANS
Victory means we are still six points behind league leaders Chelsea and four ahead of third-placed Leicester City.
WHAT’S NEXT
We host Fulham in our next fixture at London Colney, as we look to keep the pressure on Chelsea in the league.
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