Nottingham Forest have edged further away from the relegation zone after securing a crucial 1-1 draw against Aston Villa at the City Ground. The visitors took the lead in the 23rd minute when Murillo inadvertently turned Morgan Rogers' cross into his own net, following the unexpected withdrawal of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez due to injury after the warm-up.
However, just before the break, Neco Williams' strike from the edge of the box brought the hosts level, shifting the momentum of the game. In the second half, Forest dominated but Villa, who strengthened their Champions League qualification hopes, missed several key chances, with Rogers and Ollie Watkins coming close. Rogers had the best opportunity to win the game, but his shot went over the crossbar after Ross Barkley's effort rebounded to him, allowing Forest to extend their unbeaten run to four games. The draw could prove to be a vital point for Forest, who are now three points clear of the relegation zone, especially after Tottenham's 1-0 defeat at Sunderland.
Villa, meanwhile, remains fourth, three points ahead of Liverpool in the Champions League qualification race. Nottingham Forest: Sels (7), Aina (6), Milenkovic (7), Murillo (7), Williams (8), Sangare (7), Anderson (7); Hutchinson (6), Gibbs-White (6), Hudson-Odoi (6), Jesus (6). Subs: Wood (6), Dominguez (n/a), Ndoye (n/a), Yates (n/a). Aston Villa: Bizot (7), Cash (6), Lindelof (6), Torres (7), Digne (7), Onana (7), Tielemans (7), Barkley (6), McGinn (6), Rogers (7), Watkins (6).
Subs: Luiz (n/a), Maatsen (n/a), Buendia (n/a), Abraham (n/a), Garcia (n/a). Player of the Match: Neco Williams.
Nottingham Forest manager Vitor Pereira stated, 'It was a good point in a difficult game against a very difficult opponent. Opportunities from one side, opportunities from the other. In the end, one point I think is a good result.' Nottingham Forest goalscorer Neco Williams expressed, 'We are pleased [with a point], every point at this stage of the season is so valuable.
We wanted three points but Villa are a top side. It's an important point... We knew how important the second goal was, we knew we had to get the second goal and we did.' Aston Villa manager Unai Emery said, 'I am happy with how we played, how we competed and followed the game plan. The players feel confidence and comfortable.
How we managed the match in 90 minutes like we planned.' Aston Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot added, 'We came here for a win of course, we tried everything in our power to take a win, but unfortunately we end up with one point. It's not enough.'