Unai Emery Reveals Frustration Despite Aston Villa’s 2-1 Victory Over Nottingham Forest
Aston Villa secured an important 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest at Villa Park on April 5, 2025, but manager Unai Emery was far from satisfied with his team’s overall performance. Despite the three points that pushed Villa closer to the Premier League’s top four, Emery made it clear in his post-match comments that certain aspects of the game left him “raging.”
A Game of Two Halves
The hosts took a strong lead in the first half, with goals from Morgan Rogers and Donyell Malen putting them comfortably ahead. Villa controlled possession and dictated the pace, appearing to be well on their way to a routine win. However, the second half — particularly the final 20 minutes — told a different story.
Forest pulled one back through Taiwo Awoniyi, capitalizing on a drop in Villa’s defensive concentration. The visitors surged forward, threatening an equalizer in a chaotic final stretch that saw Villa scrambling to hold onto their lead.
Emery’s Fury at Loss of Control
In his post-match press conference, Unai Emery didn’t mince words. He acknowledged the importance of the win but criticized his players for their lack of discipline and control late in the game.
> “We stopped playing the way we had prepared. The last 20 minutes were not acceptable,” Emery said. “We lost our structure, lost control, and allowed them to create too many chances. That is not the standard I expect.”
He emphasized the need for composure and tactical discipline throughout the full 90 minutes, warning that similar lapses in future matches could prove costly — especially in their race for a Champions League spot.
Tactical Lapses and Risky Moments
Villa’s drop-off highlighted a recurring issue Emery has flagged in recent weeks — an inconsistency in maintaining tactical rigor, especially when under pressure. The midfield lost cohesion, and the back line looked increasingly vulnerable as Forest threw more men forward. Only crucial saves from goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and missed opportunities from Forest prevented a late equalizer.
> “I was happy with our dominance in the first half, but we cannot let that slip,” Emery added. “If we want to fight at the top, we must play 90 minutes with intensity and control — not just 70.”
A Wake-Up Call Amid Progress
Despite his frustration, Emery also recognized the positives — particularly the performances of Morgan Rogers and Donyell Malen, both of whom scored and linked up well in attack. Villa now sits just one point behind the top four, with momentum still on their side.
However, Emery’s candid criticism serves as a wake-up call for his squad. With tougher fixtures on the horizon, consistency, discipline, and focus will be critical if Villa are to achieve their European ambitions.
Looking Ahead
Aston Villa’s next fixtures will test their mettle, with games against top-six rivals approaching. Emery’s strong stance may seem harsh in the wake of a win, but it reflects his high standards and desire to instill a winning mentality at Villa Park — one that doesn’t tolerate complacency, even in victory.
