Aston Villa secured their eighth consecutive victory across all competitions, defeating Nottingham Forest 2-1 in an entertaining Premier League clash at Villa Park on Saturday, April 5th. Two goals in as many minutes from Morgan Rogers and Donyell Malen proved decisive in the battle between two sides chasing European qualification.
Villa started brightly and took the lead in the 13th minute with a sublime finish from Rogers. He controlled Youri Tielemans’ precise ball over the top before slotting it through goalkeeper Matz Sels’ legs. Villa fans were still celebrating when Donyell Malen tapped in Ian Maatsen’s pinpoint cross just two minutes later to make it 2-0.
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo admitted his side “started the game really bad,” lacking organization. However, they improved significantly after the break. Jota Silva pulled a goal back in the 57th minute, sweeping the ball past Emi Martinez after latching onto a loose ball.
The visitors pushed hard for an equalizer in an end-to-end second half, registering 13 of their 19 total shots after the interval. Defender Murillo came agonizingly close to a stunning stoppage-time leveler, unleashing a powerful 25-yard strike that cannoned off the crossbar.
Villa also had chances to extend their lead, notably in stoppage time when Marcus Rashford, through one-on-one, saw his chipped effort brilliantly saved by Sels, who then won the race to punch the rebound clear.
“Good to win today but there’s still work to do,” Villa manager Unai Emery told the BBC. “We have got all nine points from the past three matches and it’s very important that we are reducing the distance to the teams in front.”
The victory lifts Aston Villa to sixth place in the league standings on 51 points, strengthening their European qualification hopes. They maintain their formidable home record, remaining unbeaten at Villa Park since late October. Nottingham Forest stay third on 57 points [Note: Using points totals provided in this specific text]. Villa now turn their attention to Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain.
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