Nathan Baker says Aston Villa's form surge is due to a tactical switch to a back three.

Baker, 21, Ciaran Clark, 23, and Chris Herd, 23, helped Villa extend their unbeaten run from two to six games after injury to skipper Ron Vlaar forced a formation change.

That included stunning wins at Norwich in the League Cup and at Liverpool on Saturday.

And Baker said: "There's a bit more security with three at the back. We are young lads who are still learning the game.

"But because we know each other well having grown up in the academy we are quite familiar with each other's game.

"At the moment it is a system that seems to be working and as long as we keep getting results it probably makes sense to stick with it.

"I think all three of us have different qualities which we are good at and it makes a nice blend."