Aston Villa Fans Are FUMING After Unai Emery Makes One Decision That Backfires Against Forest

Aston Villa Fans Are FUMING After Unai Emery Makes One Decision That Backfires Against Forest

Aston Villa fans will be wondering what might have been after Unai Emery’s side suffered a painful 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Villa Park.

The result extended Villa’s difficult start to the Premier League campaign, despite the confidence boost they had taken from Tuesday night’s Champions League victory over Club Brugge.

One of the decisions likely to come under the spotlight is Emery’s decision to hand George Hemmings another start in midfield. The academy youngster was trusted ahead of several more established and expensive options, with Emery clearly believing the youngster had done enough to earn another opportunity.

However, Villa struggled to find their rhythm for long periods, and the visitors took control after the break.

Forest struck just 45 seconds into the second half when Liam Delap punished a Villa mistake before producing an excellent finish from distance. It was the kind of moment that left Emery’s side facing another uphill battle in the league.

Villa eventually found a way back into the contest when Alysson headed home from a John McGinn corner in the 74th minute.

With momentum finally swinging towards the hosts, Villa appeared to have a chance of completing the comeback.

But the game took another dramatic turn late on.

After Villa had used their substitutions, Ian Maatsen was forced off with an injury, leaving Emery’s side with 10 men for the closing stages.

Forest took advantage.

Daniel Muñoz combined with Morgan Gibbs-White before Igor Jesus finished in the 88th minute to give Oliver Glasner his first Premier League victory as Forest boss.

For Emery, it was another frustrating afternoon domestically.

Villa have now suffered a damaging league defeat despite their encouraging European win, and the pressure will only increase on Emery to find the right formula.

The question now is whether his latest selection gamble was the decision that ultimately came back to haunt Aston Villa.