Premier League: Villa beat Forest to boost European hopes

IANS April 6, 2025 131 views

Aston Villa secured a crucial 2-1 victory against Nottingham Forest at Villa Park, significantly boosting their European football aspirations. Morgan Rogers and Donyell Malen scored in the first half, with Jota Silva responding for Forest in the second period. Coach Unai Emery's tactical approach proved decisive, pushing Villa to sixth place in the league standings. The win maintains Villa's impressive home record and keeps their top-four dreams alive.

"We started dominating. They were playing tactically, a medium-low block and we started dominating" - Unai Emery
Birmingham, April 6: Aston Villa earned a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest to boost their hopes of a top-four finish in the Premier League.

Key Points

1

Morgan Rogers opens scoring with 13th goal of season

2

Donyell Malen adds second for Villa

3

Jota Silva pulls one back for Forest

4

Villa maintain home unbeaten run

The hosts were the dominant force in the first half at Villa Park, opening the scoring via Morgan Rogers' 13th goal of the season after 13 minutes.

A second followed two minutes later when Ian Maatsen crossed for Donyell Malen to score his first goal in B6.

Forest improved after the break and pulled one back courtesy of Jota Silva's deflected effort in the 57th minute.

Despite some nervy moments, Villa held firm in the closing stages to pick up the three points, taking the club up to sixth in the table and making it 17 home games unbeaten.

"We started dominating. They were playing tactically, a medium-low block and we started dominating because they were not pressing high, not getting out. We were creating chances and we scored goals.

"The second half, I am not happy. They were changing their tactics and taking more duels aggressively, pressing higher and we were not dominating like we have to," Villa coach Unai Emery said.

Villa climb to sixth, level on points with Manchester City, who face Manchester United on Sunday, while Forest remain third, missing the chance to close the gap on Arsenal.

"We started the game really bad, we were not organised and we didn't close the lines. Villa broke us many times, it was a poor first half.

"We were better in the second half, we put up a big fight. In the second half we were more dominant and created problems for Aston Villa, said Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

Reader Comments

J
James K.
What a performance from Villa in that first half! Rogers and Malen linking up beautifully. UTV! 🔥
S
Sarah T.
Forest really need to sort out their first half performances. Can't keep giving teams a 2-goal head start and expect to get points.
M
Mohammed A.
Emery's tactical awareness is impressive but I wish he'd address why Villa always seem to drop intensity in second halves. Still, great result for European hopes!
L
Lisa P.
17 home games unbeaten is no joke! Villa Park is becoming a fortress again 💪
T
Tom R.
As a neutral, this was actually a really entertaining match. Both teams had their moments but Villa just edged it with that strong start.
N
Nina W.
Jota Silva's goal was class - shame it wasn't enough for Forest. They showed real spirit in that second half though!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Premier League Aston Villa Nottingham Forest Unai Emery Morgan Rogers European Football
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