Staff Reporter.
Aston Villa moved within six points of the top four with an impressive victory over Leeds United on a difficult pitch at Elland Road.
Anwar El Ghazi scored the only goal, brilliantly controlling Ollie Watkins’ cross and firing past Islan Meslier after just five minutes.
Dean Smith’s side, still shorn of injured captain Jack Grealish, looked comfortable against Leeds who, despite winning their last two home games against Crystal Palace and Southampton, lacked penetration throughout.
Despite the defeat, Marcelo Bielsa’s United are still secure in 10th position with 35 points from their 26 games, just four points behind a rejuvenated Villa, who have games against Sheffield United, Wolves and Newcastle coming up as they look to strengthen their bid for European qualification.
Meanwhile Brighton lost 1-0 at West Brom – but the scoreline does not even begin to tell the story of a match in which the visitors had a goal ruled out after referee Lee Mason blew his whistle twice, and also missed two penalties.
“The referee blew his whistle he said to speak to someone in the wall, there was a bit of pushing,” Kyle Bartley told Sky Sports.
“There was a bit of confusion but Lee Mason dealt with it well and came to the right conclusion. It was confusing, I don’t think it would have been right for them to score like that.
“We need to win games, whoever it is, we need to put points on the board.”
Victory left 19th-placed West Brom with 17 points from 26 games, five points below fellow relegation contenders Fulham who visit Crystal Palace on Sunday. Brighton are 16th with 26 points.