Forest Edge Closer to Safety with Hard-Fought Draw Against Villa

Nottingham Forest have inched closer to ensuring their Premier League safety after securing a crucial 1-1 draw against Aston Villa at the City Ground. The visitors, who were dealt a pre-match blow when goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez withdrew due to injury, took the lead in the 23rd minute courtesy of an own goal by Murillo from Morgan Rogers' cross. However, Neco Williams' timely strike from the edge of the box just before the break brought the hosts level, setting the stage for a tense second half. Despite Forest being the better side after the break, Villa will rue a string of missed opportunities, with Rogers and Ollie Watkins both coming close to finding the winner. Rogers had the best chance to claim all three points when Ross Barkley's effort rebounded to him, but he scooped his shot over the crossbar, allowing Forest to extend their unbeaten run to four games. The point could prove pivotal for Forest, who have moved three points clear of the relegation zone following Tottenham's 1-0 defeat at Sunderland. Villa, meanwhile, remain fourth in the table, three points ahead of Liverpool in the pursuit of Champions League qualification. 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 reflected on the match, stating: "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. "Villa is a team not easy to control. They create some problems, you try to face the problems and create our own chances. After the goal, it's the character, confidence, spirit. We scored our goal and had chances to score more goals, and they did as well. "When we decided to bring on another striker, we wanted to win the game. Three points would be better than one. We try, but facing a strong team means in the end we need five games without losing. We are in the right way with the right spirit. It's important to get points every game until the end." Nottingham Forest goalscorer Neco Williams added: "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. We stuck together, a proper team performance today. It was important to stick at it. It's a valuable point. "The manager has been telling me to shoot outside the box more, and that's what I did today. I took a few, and one went in, so I'm pleased with that. With the surface and the rain, it was important to get our shots off." 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. "The first half was equal, but we dominated and had good chances to score. I am so proud of how the players did. Of course, we had three or four chances to score, and we conceded the momentum to them a few times. One point is not enough, but this is the way we want to play in the next weeks in the Premier League and Europa League. "I like when we are creating chances and dominating and having good possession. Of course, if we are scoring, it is better. But we are getting better again, the last three or four matches. We must be so demanding and consistent to keep it for the next matches. "Three months we were fantastic, then we struggled, now we are recovering. It's important for the players to have momentum. Today, how we kept the level of the last matches, is the most relevant for our confidence." Aston Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot reflected: "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. "We tried to push through, but it was difficult. They had a few moments. We played well before the goal, and after our energy went down, and they got strength to push and score. "We had the options to score a second goal, but it needs to go in. We should have taken three points today."