Aston Villa soared into the Premier League’s top six with a commanding 2-1 victory over third-placed Nottingham Forest on Saturday, thanks to early strikes from Morgan Rogers and Donyell Malen.
This marks Villa’s seventh consecutive win across all competitions, a fiery momentum booster ahead of their midweek UEFA Champions League quarter-final showdown against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris.
The result further fuels Villa’s aspirations for Champions League qualification next season. A top-five finish is likely enough due to the impressive showings by English teams in Europe this campaign. Villa now trail fifth-placed Manchester City on goal difference and sit just one point behind Chelsea in fourth.
“We enjoy competing in the Champions League and FA Cup, but the Premier League is key. That’s how we ensure qualification for next season,” manager Unai Emery said.
Despite making eight changes to the squad that demolished Brighton 3-0, Emery’s tactical rotation paid off as his side surged to a 2-0 lead within 15 minutes. Rogers showed poise with a well-placed finish after a fine ball from Youri Tielemans, while Malen slotted in Ian Maatsen’s low cross for his second goal in as many matches.
Nottingham Forest, visibly drained from their midweek FA Cup marathon against Brighton and Tuesday’s clash with Manchester United, found some spark in the second half. Jota Silva pulled one back in the 56th minute after sharp interplay from Neco Williams, with Forest pushing hard for a late equalizer.
Villa held firm, though, surviving a heart-stopping stoppage-time scare when Murillo’s long-range shot cannoned off the crossbar.
Should both sides win their FA Cup semi-finals later this month, a rematch looms in the final—a prospect already stirring excitement among fans.
With form, flair, and confidence on their side, Aston Villa are heading to Paris with eyes firmly set on European glory.
