Nottingham Forest are one step closer to the Europa League final after a Chris Wood penalty gave them a 1-0 first-leg lead over Aston Villa in the first-ever all-Midlands UEFA tie, as Unai Emery let rip at VAR for failing to send off Elliot Anderson for a challenge on Ollie Watkins.
Wood converted from the spot in the 71st minute after VAR confirmed a handball by Lucas Digne to give Forest their first European semi-final advantage in 42 years, leaving Villa needing to overturn a one-goal deficit at Villa Park next Thursday.
The only goal of a tight, tactical contest came after Omari Hutchinson’s cross struck the arm of the retreating Digne.
Referee Joao Pinheiro was directed to the pitchside monitor and pointed to the spot, with Wood hammering the penalty into the top corner past Emiliano Martinez.
Emery furious with VAR over Anderson challenge
The major flashpoint of the first half came when Anderson caught Watkins with his studs in a sliding challenge that the Villa manager was adamant warranted a red card. The referee took no action and VAR did not intervene, a decision that left Emery seething after the final whistle.
“Fantastic the referee, fantastic. But the VAR is so so bad. It’s a clear red card, I don’t understand why the VAR is not calling the referee because it’s so clear. It’s a huge, huge mistake. VAR is responsible.
“The referee – fantastic, fantastic job, 10 out of 10, I appreciated how he managed the match for 90 minutes. I watched it back – wow. Huge. He could break his ankle. VAR where are you? It is your responsibility, we are professionals. It was so clear for everybody. He could break his ankle. It’s not fair.
“We couldn’t score, we conceded, but we controlled. We lost but did the match we planned. We had our chances to score and had momentum. We were successful in stopping their high press, the match was going like we planned. We defended well. The penalty was one action that happened.
“After their goal the most important thing was not to lose our mind and to keep our game plan. They were excited, pushing well. After the goal we kept the same idea to draw the match, but more important was not to concede another goal. The match is not finished, it continues next week. We must come back.”
On the Digne handball and the penalty decision, Emery said he would wait to review the footage before commenting further. “I didn’t watch the action or speak with him. Tomorrow we will speak about everything. After analysis we can take something clear.”
Pereira hails ‘fantastic group’ and City Ground atmosphere
For Forest’s manager Vitor Pereira, the result was validation of everything his side had built since he took over as the club’s fourth manager of the season.
“They are a very tough team, but we competed with them. I like to see us playing football, trying to score. We have time to recover a bit and prepare for Chelsea. This is a special group of players.
“Unai Emery is a top manager, he has been with his team for a long time. We are together for a short time. In the end it was a good fight. I am very competitive, that’s why I like to be in the Premier League, to compete with this kind of manager.
“I had the privilege to be the manager of these boys, they are a fantastic group. Spirit, four managers in a season, and finishing at this level, competing at this level together and united. This is an honour for me.
“The problem in the game last time we played them, a lot of times it was two against two, and it’s not easy to control them. I asked my players to play four against four with just one midfielder jumping. I am proud we played in our way, pressing high but if they attack then reorganise the team in a block. Tactically, we did what we should.
“The transition of Villa is very dangerous, when they drive with the ball at our defensive line, it’s a big problem. When we go to win the ball we cannot lose, because they are very aggressive in that moment.”
The City Ground atmosphere clearly played its part, and Pereira was quick to acknowledge that contribution.
“We changed the players but kept the spirit. The mentality to try to win games. The supporters, fantastic, they help us a lot. Next time we face a big battle.
“For me it’s an honour to manage this club, to try to help these players, to see the smiles on the faces of these supporters. To be part of the Nottingham family with a manager in the memory of everyone. I am very proud of my players.”
