Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo believed his facet’s first-half efficiency value them dearly of their 2-1 defeat away to Aston Villa.
The hosts have been two targets up throughout the opening quarter-hour on Saturday, with Forest struggling to manage within the opening interval.
However they managed to stem Villa’s assaults and get again into proceedings within the second half, with Jota Silva halving the deficit on 57 minutes. Whereas Nuno was inspired by the best way the guests picked up within the second 45, he concluded the efficiency as an entire was not adequate.
He informed Sky Sports activities after the sport: “We didn’t begin effectively and Villa managed possibilities. The second half was totally different. We had the possibilities however we couldn’t rating. First half was not good, we weren’t organised.
“We tried to search out options. The boys confirmed a greater sport [after the break]. It was one of many matches that we created probably the most however didn’t take something from the sport.
“If you lose you don’t recuperate so effectively, the miles come to your thoughts. It’s all the time straightforward if you end up in second, Now will not be so good, it requires a little bit of persistence.”
Forest participant Neco Williams was in settlement together with his boss and shared his frustration at their sluggish begin to the sport.
“They created far more possibilities and dominated,” he mentioned. “We got here in [at the break] and issues needed to change. Second half, we created many possibilities however it’s the targets you want and sadly we simply couldn’t get them.
“Irritating. We created many possibilities, we simply couldn’t get it over the road however the positives are there.”
Three factors at Villa Park
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 5, 2025
Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery, conversely, was delighted together with his facet’s first-half efficiency, however was disenchanted with how they dropped off within the second.
“We began dominating,” he mentioned. “They have been taking part in tactically, a medium-low block and we began dominating as a result of they weren’t urgent excessive, not getting out. We have been creating possibilities and we scored targets.
“The second half, I’m not joyful. They have been altering their ways and taking extra duels aggressively, urgent greater and we weren’t dominating like now we have to.
“However this victory is essential. Very pleased with the victory. Very demanding of myself to enhance issues inside, however I’m joyful as a result of now we have three factors extra.”
Morgan Rogers received Villa up and operating and he mentioned the Villa gamers set out figuring out that they wanted to begin quick.
Rogers netted the opening aim after 13 minutes, which was additionally his eighth of the season within the Premier League, with Donyell Malen getting the second quickly after.
“We knew we needed to begin quick and we knew it was a must-win if we wish to get the place we needed to get within the Premier League,” he mentioned.
“We have been excellent and deservedly received in entrance. We knew they’d come again into it. They’ve that high quality however withstanding that stress is huge for us.”
Of his aim, Rogers added: “I noticed [Forest defender] Morato not trying and as soon as Youri Tielemans received the ball, I needed to make the transfer. He has the standard to select me out from anyplace.
“I knew I had to verify the primary contact was proper to get the chance. It fell completely and I’m joyful to place it away.”
A 3rd straight league win means Villa are sixth within the desk, only one level behind Chelsea in fourth and 6 away from third-placed Forest with seven video games to play.
