Daily Mail

Grealish putting the fight in Villa’s play-off charge

- LAURIE WHITWELL

THERE were thankfully no punches thrown as Jack Grealish made his return to action following the shame at St Andrew’s, but Roy Keane and John Terry looked like getting close during a touchline spat. Terry, the Villa assistant, and Keane, in the same role for Forest, engaged in a frank exchange of views after Forest’s Karim Ansarifard escaped a second booking despite leading an arm into Neil Taylor’s face. It ended up being a sideshow though as Villa emerged comfortabl­e winners to make a real statement. Grealish’s return from injury has coincided with three wins in a row that have put Villa two points off the play-offs. Villa leapt over Forest, who are a point further back. ‘We’re playing with swagger,’ said Villa boss Dean Smith. ‘Disappoint­ed but not out of it,’ said his Forest counterpar­t Martin O’Neill. Forest took the lead in the third minute when Jack Colback attempted a cross but chipped it in instead. Four minutes later Villa levelled when John McGinn cut inside and buried a brilliant low finish. McGinn then put Villa in front after striking from 20 yards. And the win was confirmed in the 62nd minute when Kortney Hause nudged in after a free-kick.

 ?? DAN WESTWELL ?? Main man: Grealish’s return has galvanised Aston Villa
DAN WESTWELL Main man: Grealish’s return has galvanised Aston Villa
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