Aston Villa secured a crucial 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening, as we extended our positive run to seven consecutive wins across all competitions.
After making an excellent start to the encounter, goals from Morgan Rogers and Donyell Malen put us in a commanding position in the early stages, as we took a two-goal lead into the half-time interval.
However, as our performance dipped in the second half, the visitors grew in confidence and halved their deficit before going on to create several chances that could have changed the game.
Fortunately, they were wasteful in front of goal as we held out to secure all three points, as it not only continues to build our momentum with decisive clashes still ahead, but it closes the gap on those above us in the battle to secure Champions League football for next season.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Nottingham Forest:
Emiliano Martinez, 7 – Commanded his area well throughout and was alert to danger. Saw a number of efforts go close beyond his post as we gave up too many chances, while he couldn’t do much about the deflected effort that beat him.
Andres Garcia, 7 – A really positive first-half display as he looked effective in our build-up phase and got forward to provide width when possible too. Replaced at half-time, and can only be injury-related as he looked solid in the opening 45 minutes.
Axel Disasi, 7 – Struggled in the second half as we couldn’t contain our opponents in wide areas as effectively, but he was strong in the first half as he contributed to our ability to set a solid foundation and dominate proceedings for the most part.
Tyrone Mings, 7 – Organised and marshalled the backline well with his leadership and ability to set the example. Cleared danger on countless occasions and looked assured in possession.
Ian Maatsen, 8 – Continued to showcase his quality going forward as after having an early attempt on goal, it was his excellent play and cross that gave Malen a simple finish to double our lead. Still needs to improve defensively, but another positive impact.
Amadou Onana, 7 – Covers ground well to help maintain our defensive shape and limit the opposition and has good positional awareness to shore up our midfield. Eventually replaced as he began to fade and we lost our sense of control in the encounter.
Youri Tielemans, 7.5 – Another excellent shift as he dictated play for us and set the tempo with his passing in midfield. Showcased his class once again with a decisive ball to set Rogers through to open the scoring. One of only three players to keep their place from midweek and has started all 31 league games, with his reliability being such an important strength.
Donyell Malen, 7.5 – Great movement to put himself in a position to apply the finish to double our advantage. That’s two in two for the Dutchman after a productive week which will hopefully boost his confidence for a critical stretch ahead.
Marco Asensio, 7 – So clever with his movement to find pockets of space between the lines and string things together. Wasn’t able to add a decisive touch in this game as we’ve become accustomed to, but his influence was key particularly in the first half to help us dominate the game.
Morgan Rogers, 8 – Brilliant touch and finish for his goal to put us in a commanding position, and while his movement, flicks, strength and directness caused Forest problems thereafter as he had chances to add to his tally, he was a key presence in the final third.
Ollie Watkins, 6 – Quiet game for the Villa frontman as he wasn’t able to get into the game enough. Started brightly as he dropped deeper into positions where he could link our play together, but struggled to offer a real threat up top.
Substitutes:
Ezri Konsa, 6 – Villa struggled in the second half in dealing with Forest’s threat down our right side in particular, and although he looked his usual assured self at times, we certainly looked more vulnerable after our half-time defensive change.
Marcus Rashford, 6 – Denied by Sels in the latter stages as he will likely feel he should have put the chance away, but he added energy and pressure to help us maintain a threat and see out the win.
Jacob Ramsey, 7 – Picked up good positions and looked bright when on the ball as he probed for a way through to stretch our lead.
Boubacar Kamara, 7 – Added a physical presence and driving force after coming on as we battled to wrestle back control in the game. An important change to give us a different dynamic in midfield.
John McGinn, 7 – Similarly to Kamara, it was another sensible switch to give us more physicality and intensity in midfield to deal with Forest’s attacking play and help us to hold onto the ball and see out the win.
