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Aston Villa’s European exertions threaten to derail their season
Balancing the demands of Aston Villa’s Champions League journey and their domestic campaign was always likely to prove a struggle for Unai Emery, and it is now five games without a win after European football.
Villa are finding it difficult in the Premier League following their excursions overseas, and Nottingham Forest took full advantage late on to hoist themselves back into the Premier League’s top four. Coming just a week after their memorable victory at Manchester United, Forest continue to prove this season’s surprise package and hopes of European football next year are gathering momentum.
In a battle between two former European Cup winners, Forest secured the points after a spirited late comeback, with goals in the final three minutes from Nikola Milenkovic and substitute Anthony Elanga.
Emery cut a frustrated figure for much of the evening in the technical area. He has vast experience of such juggling acts after winning four Europa League titles with Sevilla and Villarreal, but this is a new adventure for Villa. His team did take the lead through Jhon Durán, but at times his players appeared tired, particularly in the crucial late stages.
Champions League demands ‘not an excuse’
Emery’s squad are being pushed to the limit, and that underlines why he feels it so important to ease their fixture congestion by qualifying for the Champions League round of 16.
Villa have also lost four away games in the league for the first time since August 2022 under Steven Gerrard, but Emery insists European football is not to blame for their results.
He said: “With the experiences we are having now, we need to learn. It’s difficult for the players and it is a process.
“The Champions League is completely different, it is another competition. Last year we played in the Europa Conference League and we got fourth, so it’s not an excuse.
“This was a key moment because we are going to fight with them for the opportunity to be in the top-eight.”
Forest’s victory came in front of owner Evangelos Marinakis and lifted them three points above Villa in the table. The feel-good factor under Nuno Espírito Santo continues to gather momentum, and these are heady days on the banks of the River Trent.
You would have got very good odds for Forest being above champions Manchester City in the table heading into the Christmas period.
Nuno said: “This is a huge moment and I think we should enjoy it, all together. We are working very hard and with clear plans of improvement to build the team. We try every day to build something nice that we can identify with the club and the city.
“When things go against you and you react, that is what I appreciate the most. We are competing against all the teams in the Premier league and that is the most important thing.”
Forest’s late comeback sparked scenes of wild celebration, and was the latest they had won a Premier League game after being behind.
Martinez goes from hero to villain
It had threatened to be a frustrating evening for the hosts, after initially coming up against the brilliance of Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.
Having come under the spotlight for a high-profile mistake in the Champions League against RB Leipzig on Tuesday, Martínez produced one of the saves of the season to somehow claw away Nicolás Dominguez’s header from on the goal-line.
That proved a pivotal moment, with Durán giving Villa the lead three minutes later by powering a header past Matz Sels from John McGinn’s cross. The Colombian detests his reputation as a ‘super-sub’ for Villa and he is producing a compelling case for more starts in what could prove a conundrum for Emery.
Durán now has 11 goals for the season and is ramping up the pressure on England international Ollie Watkins and Emery, who must now decide if the pair can play together. As Forest pressed, Emery furiously remonstrated with his own players and implored them to remain calm.
Villa were denied what appeared a clear penalty in the first half after Morgan Rogers was fouled by Elliot Anderson, and Forest then suffered controversy themselves.
Morgan Gibbs-White’s clever pass caught out Lucas Digne and released Elanga, whose cross Chris Wood converted at the far post. A delay of around three minutes followed, with the VAR adjudging that Elanga’s arm rendered him marginally offside.
Yet Forest’s pressure did pay off three minutes from the end when Milenkovic headed Gibbs-White’s cross over the line, with Martínez guilty of not holding on to the ball. Elanga then made sure of the points with another finish from close range following some brilliant skill from Anderson.
Forest are flying.
08:11 PM GMT
‘It is a huge moment for the club’
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo speaking to Sky Sports:
It is a big moment. It is a huge moment. After the team went down the reaction was good. VAR overturned the game and we thought it was game over. This match was incredible. The players give everything and had a desire to go beyond football.
The fans were a big part in the game today. They helped the team and it goes beyond football, moments like this. It is about the heart and desire of the boys.
We try and try every day to build something nice that we can identify with the club, the city. It is an important moment that we feel when things go against you and you react, that is what I appreciate the most. We played against a very good team. The first time was very tactical.
After the goal the game opened up and the spaces were there. You want to take control one side of the pitch and the balance was not there every time. I saw fantastic runs in the back. It pleases me and huge credit to them. I gave them another day off! It is easier to work on good results.
I think it is about enjoying. We are working very hard. We are working with clear plans of improvement and build the team. We are competing with all the clubs. Our way is about organisation and belief. It is about taking advantage of the moment we have and the boys did well today.
08:06 PM GMT
Are the demands of Champions League football taking it’s toll on Aston Villa?
They have lost four consecutive away Premier League games for the first time since August 2022. They have conceded 25 match-winning goals in the 90th minute or later in the Premier League. Concerning statistics for Unai Emery.
08:00 PM GMT
‘We have lost our consistency’
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery speaking to BBC Sport:
We played in the gameplan and did fantastic in the first 70 minutes and scored one goal. We were trying to stop them in the high press but they are not pushing up and we are more or less doing this in the beginning. When we scored they pushed more and made changes.
We tried to be consistent and then we did not do that in the last 20 minutes and we conceded the goals – one offside – but if we do that we won’t be in the top eight.
We are in the process of building the team and we are trying to be competitive and consistent. Today was a key moment because we are going to fight with them for the opportunity to be in the top eight. Today they got advantage and it is our challenge.
07:58 PM GMT
‘I cannot think of a better save in the Premier League’
Jamie Redknapp discussing Martinez’s remarkable save on Sky Sports:
I can’t think of a better save and there are a few reasons why.
He has already got himself in a position where he is trying to get space for himself and then somehow he reacts.
I can’t think of a better Premier League save in my life. We talk about the Pele one from Gordon Banks.
Somehow he saved it. It’s almost like a magician, sleight of hand.
That is truly sensational.
07:54 PM GMT
‘I feel like I can do better’
Nottingham forest match-winner Anthony Elanga speaking to Sky Sports:
I feel like this season for me I can do better. I am a good finisher and I need to get in the positions. The team did really well today and credit to Villa, it was a good game.
As a football player, you want to play every game and when you don’t, you want to make an impact. It was hard to break them down and we had that space in behind.
We work on in training the different types of movements and looking at it now, it is a good finish. Credit to Martinez. I think he had a great game and made that great save, but we got past him in the end.
I feel like I can improve in everything. I can get faster and stronger and I am not a finished article and the gaffer always wants me to get better. I just want to be a better player. I am my own biggest critic ahead of other people. I just have to keep working hard and keep producing.
On Nottingham Forest being in the top four:
It is incredible and long may that continue. The season is really long and I just want the fans to enjoy the journey.
07:52 PM GMT
Nottingham Forest move up to fourth
07:33 PM GMT
Full-time: Nottingham Forest 2 Aston Villa 1
It is all over at the City Ground!
An incredible performance at the end from Nottingham Forest! They never gave up on those three points – the result moves them up to fourth in the Premier League table.
There was not much to say about the first half but after the break – the action erupted at the City Ground. We had goals rules out, lengthy VAR checks, world-class saves and a stoppage time winner.
An incredible half of football from both sides!
07:29 PM GMT
90+4: Nottingham Forest 2 Aston Villa 1
Despite going a goal down, Aston Villa are playing positively – progressing the ball up the pitch. McGinn gets the ball onto the edge of the box but Boly gets across to muscle McGinn off the ball.
07:26 PM GMT
90+3: Nottingham Forest 2 Aston Villa 1
Late drama at the City Ground!
Anderson wins the ball off Matty Cash and crosses into the box. Elanga’s there – he taps home for the hosts!
However, another VAR check might happen – Anderson’s challenge on Cash.
Thankfully, we have no lengthy delay this time and the goal stands. Forest has turned this one around!
07:23 PM GMT
90 minutes: Nottingham Forest 1 Aston Villa 1
This game has certainly come alive! A total of seven minutes have been added to the clock – a majority of that time as a result of the VAR check on Wood’s goal earlier on.
Ross Barkley enters the action after his winner in the Champions League on Wednesday.
07:20 PM GMT
87 minutes: Nottingham Forest 1 Aston Villa 1
Goal!
Now it’s 1-1!
What a response from Forest – Gibbs-White was the provider with a sublime cross into the box that allowed the defender Milenkovic to score his second goal in two games for the hosts!
Sadly, for Martinez he could not stop the might and force of the defender!
07:14 PM GMT
81 minutes: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 1
Goal!
Of course, it had to be Wood! Gibbs-White is involved in the action as he slots through for Elanga, who squares the ball for the striker! It was a simple tap in for Wood – as he stretches his foot out.
It was brilliant play from the hosts! However, VAR are having a look at this. We’re going to need some lines drawn – this is going to be tight.
Right, the check has been complete – the goal will not count as Elanga was millimetres offside. So no goal for the hosts.
07:12 PM GMT
77 minutes: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 1
Gibbs- White sends his cross across goal but Martinez is equal to it.
Just over 10 minutes left at the City Ground – can Nottingham Forest find a leveller?
07:10 PM GMT
75 minutes: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 1
That was unfortunate for Rogers – as he slips on the halfway line – he looked to be setting off for a dangerous run. Anderson picks up the ball in midfield.
07:08 PM GMT
73 minutes: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 1
Since the goal, Aston Villa have found their rhythm and playing some nice stuff. As for the hosts, they are looking a bit leggy.
07:05 PM GMT
71 minutes: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 1
Unai Emery makes a double change – goalscorer Duran and midfielder Tielemans come off for Watkins and Onana.
07:04 PM GMT
69 minutes: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 1
Nice statistic courtesy of our friends at Opta – Duran has scored in all five of his starts for Aston Villa in all competitions this season - the first player to score in five successive starts for the club since Ollie Watkins in February 2023.
06:59 PM GMT
66 minutes: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 1
Here come the changes for the hosts: Murillo and Ryan Yates have made way for Morato and Jota Silva.
06:58 PM GMT
64 minutes: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 1
The hosts want a penalty – Hudson-Odoi goes down under a Duran challenge. The referee says no penalty and VAR agrees. This game is certainly gaining momentum now.
06:55 PM GMT
63 minutes: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 1
Goal!
Duran’s only gone and done it again!
Just moments after Martinez’s heroics for Villa! Duran powers his header from McGinn’s cross.
The Aston Villa striker is certainly celebrating his 21st birthday in style! It was a sublime header – he has now scored 11 goals in all competitions this season.
06:51 PM GMT
59 minutes: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
What a save from Martinez! I do not know how the Aston Villa goalkeeper has kept out Dominguez’s header from three yards at a corner. Martinez gets down and paws the ball away – on replay it has gone behind him but he shoves it out. It was millimetres from being over the line.
That looked certain to be a Nottingham Forest goal.
06:49 PM GMT
57 minutes: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
Now, Nottingham Forest have their first real effort in the second half as Williams hits a shot from distance wide of Martinez’s post. The Aston Villa goalkeeper was never troubled with the attempt.
06:47 PM GMT
55 minutes: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
What a brilliant effort from Jhon Duran – as his stunning overhead kick flies just over the bar! That was so close from the Aston Villa striker.
06:45 PM GMT
53 minutes: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
There seems to be some nervous energy inside the City Ground as Villa start the second half on top.
Unai Emery’s half time talk seems to have worked – as they look a different side.
06:42 PM GMT
51 minutes: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
Villa win a corner after Murillo clears a dangerous ball in from Digne behind – but yet again Forest clear the delivery.
06:41 PM GMT
49 minutes: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
Jhon Duran wins Aston Villa a free-kick as defender Murillo brings him down. Youri Tielemans will take it for the visitors but it is a fair way out.
Not a terrible delivery and Ezri Konsa does seem to get something on it but not enough to trouble the Forest backline.
06:36 PM GMT
47 minutes: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
We are back underway at the City Ground with Nottingham Forest kicking the second period off going from right to left.
Please, can we have some goals.
06:25 PM GMT
Risky challenge from Anderson
Not a match high on entertainment, but it remains finely balanced.
The big talking point in the first-half was the penalty claim from Aston Villa, after Morgan Rogers was brought down in the area by Elliot Anderson.
It did appear a risky challenge from Anderson, and VAR later confirmed his challenge on Rogers was a “fleeting grab” and not enough to “prevent the player playing the ball.”
Confused? You’re not the only one.
06:21 PM GMT
Half time: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
A very dull first half at the City Ground – where we saw just one shot on target
The only talking point from the half – is the decision not to award a penalty to Aston Villa. On replay, it appears Anderson pulled Rogers’ arm inside the box. But VAR saw it differently – deeming the challenge as a ‘fleeting grab’.
06:19 PM GMT
45 min +2: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
Still a very bitty game – with neither sides really mustering any real attacking threat.
06:18 PM GMT
45 min: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
Forest goalkeeper has to get down low to save Cash’s drive from a tight angle. The Nottingham Forest defender Milenkovic is there to clear their lines from the save.
There will be three minutes of added time at the City Ground.
06:16 PM GMT
43 min: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
Chris Wood is clearly trying to score on the counter but there is no support with him – he has to play the ball backgrounds giving Aston Villa enough time to get back into shape.
06:14 PM GMT
41 min: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
Very stop-start and disjointed game here at the City Ground.
Both teams are struggling for fluency and goalscoring opportunities have been few and far between.
Nuno Espirito Santo and Unai Emery – both former Valencia managers – are prowling their technical areas, sizing it all up.
06:12 PM GMT
39 min: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
It was a decent delivery into the area by Villa but Konza cannot get his effort on target. Another injury issue for the hosts with defender Murillo down. The medical team are onto the pitch to attend to the Brazilian.
After some attention, Murillo is back onto his feet and continues.
06:10 PM GMT
37 min: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
Here we go, Anderson brings Rodgers dow again and this time the referee has awarded a foul – Vill have a free-kick 25 yards out.
06:08 PM GMT
35 min: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
Penalty appeal from the visitors.Morgan Rodgers believes he was dragged down by Elliot Anderson.
However, the referee waved away despite the pleas from the Villa players but the VAR will of course have a look at this.
Right, check complete – no penalty will be awarded.
"It's a blatant penalty!" 👀
Should Morgan Rogers have won a penalty after Eliot Andersen appeared to bring him down in the area? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/w86HACB6XI— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 14, 2024
06:07 PM GMT
32 min: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
In the last 10 minutes, Nottingham Forest have been the better side – finding their rhythm and looking more likely to score.
It was Aston Villa who started the game better but the momentum has certainly shifted to the home side.
06:05 PM GMT
30 min: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
This was the first chance of the game so far! Murillo heads wide for the hosts!
Anderson is causing all sorts of problems for Villa as he delivers a corner that sees Murillo run onto it but his header is wide of the far post.
06:03 PM GMT
28 min: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
Brilliant play from Elliot Anderson as passes two defenders and gets a shot off with his right foot. However, on replay it takes a hefty deflection and goes out for a corner.
05:59 PM GMT
26 min: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
The first real chance of the game falls for the hosts. Williams clips a ball to the back post for Wood – who nods the ball across goal but no team-mate is there to tap in. In the end, the Aston Villa backline clears.
05:58 PM GMT
24 min: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
Now Aston Villa are trying to pick up the pace – a good cross from John McGinn to Matty Cash at the back post but it was just a little too high for the full-back.
05:56 PM GMT
22 min: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
The hosts are increasing pressure – well only slightly. Nicolas Dominguez attempts to whip a ball into the box but it comes straight back out.
05:53 PM GMT
20 min: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
Yates is certainly going for it at the City Ground. He seems to have shaken off his early injury scare – as he hits a shot for the first time from outside the box. But, his shot is well off target.
05:51 PM GMT
18 min: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
This has been a fairly forgettable 18 minutes of football. Just to confirm, Ryan Yates has received treatment and seems ok to continue. Huge sigh of relief for Nottingham Forest fans.
05:49 PM GMT
16 min: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
First real chance of the game – Dhuran has his first sight on the goal but his finish is poor. The 21-year-old blazes his volley from distance well over.
05:47 PM GMT
14 min: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
Unai Emery is patrolling the touchline at the City Ground – his team have dominated possession in the last few minutes but are getting little change. It seems Nottingham Forest are happy to sit back and pounce on the counter.
05:46 PM GMT
12 min: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
Concern for Nottingham Forest fans, as Ryan Yates is down after rolling his ankle in a challenge with Rogers.
He is receiving treatment – the hosts are currently down to ten men.
05:43 PM GMT
10 min: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
Both sides seem to be cautious in their approach – neither side yet to really muster a real attack at the City Ground.
However, as I type Nikola Milenkovic misses the ball and catches Jhon Duran to give Aston Villa a free kick. Unai Emery’s side look for the long ball but Matty Cash is just offside.
05:41 PM GMT
8 min: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
It is impossible to take your eyes off Jhon Duran, Aston Villa’s maverick from Medellin.
The Colombian striker turned 21 years old on Friday and is establishing a fine reputation this season as a player who can tip tight games in Villa’s favour.
Unai Emery has been recently discussing the prospect of playing Ollie Watkins and Duran together in attack, but that experiment will have to wait a little longer. Duran starts with Watkins named among the substitutes after coming off at half-time in Leipzig
This is a reward for Duran after all those ‘super-sub’ appearances, and he can’t have done much more to impress Emery.
05:37 PM GMT
6 min: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
There are cries from the home side for Morgan Gibbs-White to “shoooot” – as he picks up the ball on the edge of the box.
However, Gibbs-White opts to play it out wide instead but the ball into the box is collected by the Villa goalkeeper.
05:35 PM GMT
4 min: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
Villa goalkeeper Martinez is called into action – as he claims a Williams cross well under pressure from Wood.
A fast start here at the City Ground.
05:33 PM GMT
2 min: Nottingham Forest 0 Aston Villa 0
We are underway here at the City Ground with the visitors having early possession. Morgan Rodgers tries to work his way through the Nottingham Forest defence but the ball is scurried away.
05:28 PM GMT
Kick-off moments away
We are just minutes away from kick-off – both sides know that a win could move them into the top four above Manchester City. The players have just emerged from the tunnel.
Big stakes tonight at the City Ground.
05:23 PM GMT
Mings replaced by Torres
There’s a change to Villa’s starting line-up with Tyrone Mings now replaced by Pau Torres.
England international Mings is understood to have sustained an injury in the warm-up, so Torres will slot into the back-four.
Not the best start for Unai Emery.
05:21 PM GMT
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04:38 PM GMT
Forest with a chance to go fourth
These are exciting times on the banks of the River Trent, with Nottingham Forest being propelled on a tidal wave of momentum.
Relegation battles appear a thing of the past under Nuno Espirito Santo, whose team are threatening to secure a place in Europe next season.
Last weekend’s deserved win over Manchester United ensured they have beaten United and Liverpool away in the Premier League for the first time in their history.
Nuno is urging his players to stay focused but a win tonight could lift Forest back into fourth place and keep the feelgood factor building.
04:25 PM GMT
Aston Villa team and subs
How we start to face Forest this evening 👊 #NFOAVL pic.twitter.com/tHinaQH9MC
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 14, 2024
04:24 PM GMT
Nottingham Forest team and subs
Your Forest XI to face Aston Villa. 👊 pic.twitter.com/lTl8EyMMU4
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) December 14, 2024
04:15 PM GMT
Forest looking to keep up strong home record vs Villa
Good afternoon and welcome to live coverage of Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa from the Premier League as Aston Villa seek a fourth straight win in all competitions in tonight’s showdown at the City Ground.
Unai Emery’s side conquered RB Leipzig by a 3-2 score line in Tuesday’s Champions League match, while Nottingham Forest triumphed by the same margin against Manchester United in the last weekend’s match.
Manchester United’s defence was only too happy to gift out presents on Chris Wood’s birthday, as the forward scored his 10th Premier League goal of the season and a record-breaking 25th in Nottingham Forest colours.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s men will be seeking their fourth consecutive win from five Premier League games when Aston Villa come to visit and the hosts have kept clean sheets in all three of those successions, although they did come against bottom-half battles against Crystal Palace, West Ham and Ipswich Town.
For the visitors, their midweek triumph against RB Leipzig was not without sacrifice, as forward Ollie Watkins was withdrawn at half-time for eventual goalscorer Jhon Duran and Emery confirmed after the victory that the England international had picked up a ‘minor injury’.
Whether Watkins’ problem is enough to sideline him for today’ game remains to be seen but Emery should take no risks given the form of Duran, who is just the third player to score 10 Premier League goals for the club before turning 21.
Leon Bailey is also likely to miss the trip to the City Ground owing to a hamstring injury, while Jacob Ramsey is not expecting back before the New Year – after sustaining a thigh injury.
As for the hosts, they cannot call upon on-loan Aston Villa left-back Alex Moreno – who missed the win over Manchester United anyway – so Neco Williams should continue to deputise on that side for Nottingham Forest.
Team news on the way shortly . .
