Dean Smith’s Aston Villa just about made it past West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns last night.
West Brom managed to run out 1-0 winners at the Hawthorns last night, despite being sent down to 10 men, but Villa ran out winners on penalties to progress.
Dean Smith’s side struggled to break down West Brom’s resilient backline throughout the contest.
And Villa’s key man felt that Albion’s fans played a part in making the match so difficult for his side.
Grealish said: “It was a tough game, the crowd made it tough. I said that after the game on Saturday. But in the end we ran out worthy winners.
“Credit to West Brom, when they went down to 10 men they defended brilliantly.”
West Brom had Chris Brunt sent off for a late tackle on Villa’s John McGinn, and that proved to be the turning point in the contest.
Albion had been pressing Villa up until that point, but they lost much of their attacking thrust when Brunt was dismissed.
Villa will now go on to face Leeds United or Derby County in the play off final.
West Brom, meanwhile, will be planning for next season and there could be big changes at the Hawthorns this summer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
