Conor Hourihane gave Aston Villa a priceless Boxing Day victory over Swansea as Dean Smith’s side improved their Championship play-off hopes at the Liberty Stadium.
Villa have struggled to keep clean sheets this season, but their sixth shut-out of the campaign was enough to seal three points as Wilfried Bony missed a last-gasp penalty for the hosts.
Villa started poorly and had things far from their own way as both sides had chances in what was entertaining festive fare.
But when push came to shove, Swansea couldn’t finish their chances when they came – despite having more of the ball – and Hourihane provided the game’s only goal.