Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood’s penalty gave them a 1-0 advantage over Aston Villa in the Europa League semi-final first leg after a VAR play at the City Ground.
Despite the authorities initially awarding Villa a goal kick, Lucas Digne was ruled to have handballed inside the penalty area. Replays showed the ball was still in play when Omari Hutchinson hooked it onto the Frenchman’s floating arm.
Aston Villa’s Lucas Digne handles the ball inside the penalty area
Wood’s spot-kick was too strong for Emiliano Martinez. Aston Villa’s goalkeeper, who made a sensational stop in the first half, was finally brought down. Not only did he deny Igor Jesus’ volley, he also grabbed the ball firmly before it broke through the line.
Emiliano Martinez makes a great save to deny Igor Jesus
Despite Ollie Watkins being denied at close range by Stefan Ortega, Villa will wonder if they did enough. Europa League master Unai Emery was happy with his team slowing down the tempo for large parts of the match, even after Forest had taken the lead.
Manager Emery will be hoping for a big change in the atmosphere at Villa Park, where Forest are not performing well. But this was Forest’s night. A banner at the Trent End before kick-off celebrated two European victories in 1979 and 1980. They dream of winning a third time.
Pereira praises Forest players
Nottingham Forest head coach Vitor Pereira told TNT Sports.
“It was a very tough team, but I think we competed with them. All eyes are on us, as you like to see us play football and try to score. It was a good game. We now have enough time to recover a little bit and get ready for the game against Chelsea. This is a special group of players.”
“I’m honored and privileged to be the manager of these boys. They’re a great group. They’ve played against four different managers during the season and the spirit to finish at this level and compete at this level is great, along with the team spirit.”
Emery furious over Watkins’ ‘crazy’ phone call
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Unai Emery furious over lack of penalty from VAR when Elliott Anderson challenged Ollie Watkins to ‘break his ankle’
Emery’s main focus in his post-match press conference was on Elliott Anderson’s challenge on Watkins, which Villa said “nearly broke his ankle”. The referee didn’t even give Anderson a foul for the incident in the first half.
The Basque coach did not blame the Portuguese referee for that, but after watching replays he was furious that VAR chose not to intervene.
Emery said: “I watched Anderson’s movements with Watkins. The referee played a great game and did a great job. I was very happy with how he played for 90 minutes.”
“But after watching VAR, it was a big mistake. A big mistake because Ollie Watkins almost broke his ankle. And VAR, his fault is his fault. I don’t understand why. He needs to explain it.”
“Because it’s crazy. Watching the action, it’s crazy.
“Of course, the referee can’t see it like I can, but the most important thing is the players. One act like this can break an ankle. And that’s very clear. If VAR is fair, then VAR makes sense.”
“What do you think about that? Wow. I watched it and didn’t understand anything.
“In the field of football, I’ve been working as a coach for 20 years, and sometimes you make mistakes, but you always make tough decisions. And without VAR, it became increasingly difficult.”
“I’m always 100 percent, 100 percent on VAR. But we have to manage VAR properly and in the right way. One action like that has no meaning, because it’s so obvious. There’s no doubt about it. Where’s the doubt?”
“Where is the doubt in this movement? Where is it?”
What was Digne thinking?
After a week of controversial and sometimes infuriating penalties for handball in European competition, there will be less sympathy for Digne. His mistake sealed the first leg of this semi-final, but could have cost his team the trophy.
The referee’s initial decision to award a goal kick was understandable, as the ball was about to go out. What’s less inexplicable is that Digne stuck his hand in the air and let the enterprising Hutchinson hit the ball. Bad mistake, you will be punished.
What will happen to Forest and Villa?
Aston Villa face Nottingham Forest’s relegation rivals Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday, before next Thursday’s second leg at Villa Park. Kickoff at 7pm.
Forest are also in the Premier League and will travel to Chelsea on Monday, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Kickoff at 3pm.
Monday, May 4th 2:30pm
Kickoff at 3pm
