Aston Villa secured a crucial 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest, marking their seventh consecutive victory in all competitions. This triumph propels Villa into the Premier League’s top six, positioning them just below Manchester City on goal difference and within one point of fourth-placed Chelsea.
Morgan Rogers and Donyell Malen scored within two minutes of each other in the first half, giving Villa a commanding lead. Rogers capitalized on a lofted pass from Youri Tielemans, while Malen converted Ian Maatsen’s cross.
Despite trailing 2-0 at halftime, Forest improved significantly in the second half. Jota Silva reduced the deficit in the 57th minute, and Forest came close to equalizing through efforts from Neco Williams and a stunning long-range shot by Murillo that hit the crossbar in stoppage time.
Unai Emery made eight changes to his lineup, preparing for the upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain. This decision paid off as Villa’s fresh legs contributed to their early dominance. Nuno Espirito Santo’s tactical switch at halftime, replacing Anthony Elanga with Jota Silva, proved effective but ultimately insufficient to secure a draw.
Villa’s winning streak has significantly enhanced their chances of securing Champions League football next season. A top-five finish in the Premier League is likely to be sufficient due to the strong performance of English teams in European competitions. Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, remains third but faces increased pressure to maintain their position with Chelsea potentially closing the gap.
The victory sets Villa up well for their trip to Paris, where they will face a formidable PSG side in the Champions League. Emery emphasized the importance of the Premier League in achieving their objectives for next season, highlighting the significance of this win in their pursuit of a top-four finish.