Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: PeterWithesShin on April 30, 2026, 09:53:34 PM

Title: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 30, 2026, 09:53:34 PM
We don't like making it easy do we.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Chip Butty 111 on April 30, 2026, 09:54:57 PM
Forest crap..Villa crap..ref crap
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Dave on April 30, 2026, 09:55:00 PM
Should have been better, could have been worse.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: thick_mike on April 30, 2026, 09:55:05 PM
C-
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: AlexAlexCropley on April 30, 2026, 09:55:05 PM
Gash
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: GarTomas on April 30, 2026, 09:55:14 PM
Horrible side to play.
Must do better next week.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Legion on April 30, 2026, 09:55:19 PM
One-nil down at HT. Not the end of the world. Welcome to Fortress Villa Park next week.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Tuscans on April 30, 2026, 09:55:22 PM
Make it special next week Villa
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: DB on April 30, 2026, 09:55:40 PM
They won't be happy with 1-0. We can turn it around.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on April 30, 2026, 09:55:47 PM
30 years of watching us melt in finals and semis. Im sick to fucking death of it!
We need to stick a rocket up the lot of them, if we dont make this final we are an embarrassment
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Rigadon on April 30, 2026, 09:56:05 PM
Fucking shit second half.  Awful.

The ref and VAR, an utter disgrace. 
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 30, 2026, 09:56:09 PM
That was pretty bloody poor.

We have lost all sense of attacking purpose of late - we’re ponderous and aimless.

Terrible ref and just amateur from Digne.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: villadelph on April 30, 2026, 09:56:14 PM
we're a competent referee and a goal at home away from taking control of this tie.

support the team.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: paul_e on April 30, 2026, 09:56:24 PM
Nothing between the teams other than 2 key VAR calls that both went for them. Mostly cancelled each other out really.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on April 30, 2026, 09:56:29 PM
I knew this would happen. It's so fucking Villa.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: rob_bridge on April 30, 2026, 09:56:45 PM
Cock Piss Partridge

Well we need a really special European night next week.

Can we do it?

Yes.

Will we?

Not sure
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on April 30, 2026, 09:56:47 PM
Too many shit performances

Digne
Tielemans
Glass legs Onana
Mcginn
Bogarde   fuck me
Buendia   abysmal

Not over but we will need an early goal

Ref atrocious
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Somniloquism on April 30, 2026, 09:57:27 PM
Poor play away again. Still it would have been 0-0 until Digne realised hands at the sides or low down gifts penalties in Europe so thought there was no way it would be given if stuck straight above his head.

Would have been a more interesting tie without Anderson for both of legs but we find the only European ref who is ok with Studs up challenges. And Emi keeps his save at the season against Forest but ending up on the losing side record going.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: LeonW on April 30, 2026, 09:57:31 PM
Poor and against a side that whilst are better than their league position suggests, are still no great shakes. It’s another no show in a big game I’m afraid, no matter how some will want to dress it up. We seemed intent on trying to create the perfect goal.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: GarTomas on April 30, 2026, 09:57:32 PM
They can’t play any better and are 1-0 from a penalty. Villa Park next week will be a much different game.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Dave P on April 30, 2026, 09:57:42 PM
A moment of madness by Digne. An hour of madness by Buendia!
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: taylorsworkrate on April 30, 2026, 09:57:45 PM
C-

Very very generous
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: KevinGage on April 30, 2026, 09:57:59 PM
Would've taken that before the game and def when they went 1-0 after Digne's brainfart.

We're going to need some sort of attacking verve over the next three games if we want to do owt this season.

Not entirely convinced where it is going to come from.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Ian. on April 30, 2026, 09:58:06 PM
Onana was superb, the rest were shit.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on April 30, 2026, 09:58:07 PM
Utterly predictable. Another toothless performance.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: manic-road on April 30, 2026, 09:58:07 PM
Not a disaster, didn't expect it to be an easy game at all. Villa Park we will be better. Put Anderson in a Villa shirt and we win that.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on April 30, 2026, 09:58:15 PM
Sell Digne the hand raising twat
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: itbrvilla on April 30, 2026, 09:58:20 PM
They can’t play any better and are 1-0 from a penalty. Villa Park next week will be a much different game.
Need to start creating more as we don't usually.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 30, 2026, 09:58:26 PM
Cheating bastards. We, at least, draw that if the referee or VAR do their job, and would have a massive advantage with their star player out of the second leg. Pure cowardice.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: DB on April 30, 2026, 09:58:28 PM
Too many shit performances

Digne
Tielemans
Glass legs Onana
Mcginn
Bogarde   fuck me
Buendia   abysmal

Not over but we will need an early goal

Ref atrocious

Mc Ginn was decent.
Buendia awful 
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 30, 2026, 09:58:29 PM
I’m a bit concerned that we’ve lost sight a bit of the fact it’s not all about control. Against Fulham and Forest we’ve allowed to win the games through doing very little.

We need to actually try and win games.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: SamTheMouse on April 30, 2026, 09:58:35 PM
We were doing more or less OK until Onana went off. He was making loads of interceptions with his telescopic legs.

After that, we just sort of scrapped our way to the end without creating a single chance.

Play like that again next week and it'll be curtains.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: BoVillan esq on April 30, 2026, 09:58:44 PM
1-0 down 0-0 whatever, Forest have the advantage but that is all they have, it was always the case that on this kind of result we would need 2 goals or more at Villa, I'm actually more confident we can win this now, than at the start of the game tonight.

We have only one way to play now and that's going forward. Forest have a lot to think about, that's not the way they play, they are not a considered side.

No problem.

Would add to this, we need to beat Spurs at the weekend at all costs.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: dutchvilla on April 30, 2026, 09:58:47 PM
The result's not a catastrophe but that was pretty terrible. No pace, no urgency and the number of times a Villa player miscontrolled the ball or dawdled and gave it away was shocking.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: astonvilla82 on April 30, 2026, 09:59:04 PM
We were shit, don't care how Forest played
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: OzVilla on April 30, 2026, 09:59:12 PM
Both teams created nothing, bit of a turgid game and they’ve got to come to a rocking VP. I’m confident we’ll do these.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: taylorsworkrate on April 30, 2026, 09:59:22 PM
It all feels very Old Trafford from the last game of last season. No bollocks in this team in the big moments and big games.

Forest were very ordinary and we showed them far too much respect.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Pete3206 on April 30, 2026, 09:59:24 PM
Dog shit

Forest strangled the game after the penalty and they'll see it out next week. We've fucked yet another semi final
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Ger Regan on April 30, 2026, 09:59:29 PM
I refuse to accept that elliot wouldn't have been a better option than either buendia or sancho
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Goldenballs on April 30, 2026, 09:59:29 PM
Pretty shit tbh.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: CT Villan on April 30, 2026, 09:59:44 PM
Another weak ref at VP and we will likely be out. I am taking a big dislike to Forest and their dirty, cheating gamesmanship, very Leeds-like.

We played for the draw and lost. Buendia and Digne were very poor, SJM and Tielemans were very quiet and poor Onana injured again.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Cropley10 on April 30, 2026, 09:59:55 PM
Well, we have another chance to redeem ourselves  and prove we aren’t bottling another big moment again, but we had nothing up front tonight.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Mellin on April 30, 2026, 10:00:00 PM
People losing their minds when there's a second leg at home. Look at the teams we've beaten at home in Europe over the last three years. We're still in the tie which is what you need in Europe. Goid teams are still in the tie when the lose by 2/3 more often than not.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Halfway to Moseley on April 30, 2026, 10:00:17 PM
Would be very different if Anderson had been correctly sent off - he’d be suspended for the second leg too.

Clattered Watkins with his studs up - it’s irrelevant that his calf touched the ball on the follow through. Crazy decision.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Rigadon on April 30, 2026, 10:00:22 PM
Anderson should be out of the game and second leg.  Ref was a ******.

See you lot in a week, you absolute ******. 
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on April 30, 2026, 10:00:32 PM
We need to PSG them without conceding the early goals. We can do this.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on April 30, 2026, 10:01:16 PM
Once again Emi makes a spectacular save only to be rewarded for it by a defeat.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Olof's Beard on April 30, 2026, 10:01:48 PM
No doubt that Bogarde struggled, he is such a big Stepdown from Kamara and Onana. Buendia very poor, Sancho lively and I reckon he will get the nod next week. People forget he was playing well prior to the Sunderland debacle.

If we are honest, we have struggled for fluency coming forward for much of the season. We don't create enough, teams double up on Rogers and we don't have players elsewhere to take advantage. It has to be the biggest priority in the summer.

Anderson excellent for them, aside from the ankle breaker. He is a quality player.

Shite to concede from a nothing situation. Tielemans, for all his attributes, needs to score more.

They are setting off fireworks and celebrating like they are through. Let's stick it to them next
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: GarTomas on April 30, 2026, 10:01:53 PM
I was somewhat confused at the commentary almost being adamant that Digne tackle in the second half was lucky not to be a red compared to Anderson crunching Watkins above the ankle after glancing the ball.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Woody17 on April 30, 2026, 10:02:24 PM
‘Prepared’…..change to ‘Shit the Bed’.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Nev on April 30, 2026, 10:02:29 PM
Once again played well within ourselves but we can't do it every game so I hope we open up in the next two games.

I would've taken that before ko tbh. Emery did with the subs and the way we took no risks.

It was always a tricky place to go, and if the roles were reversed I wouldn't be too cocky going into a second leg there with just a one goal lead
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Skipper_The_Eyechild on April 30, 2026, 10:02:32 PM
I'm going for pens next week, where all our practice will come to good use.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Smithy on April 30, 2026, 10:02:49 PM
A tale of two VAR calls.  I thought Anderson and MGW were unfortunately head and shoulders above our midfield for large chunks of the game, so I hope we have a decent plan to do a better job on them next week.

My big fear is we've now played 180 minutes against this lot this month, and our only goal was an own-goal.  I'd feel more confident about next week if we'd at least been creating some decent chances.

I am hoping Unai's plan was to keep it tight and maybe nick one, and it was undone by the VAR pen - because if we play like that next week, we're going out.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Somniloquism on April 30, 2026, 10:02:53 PM
We need to PSG them without conceding the early goals. We can do this.

PSGing them will only take us to penalties and a 4-2 loss on those. We need a three goal lead going into the 93rd minute.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: PhilVill on April 30, 2026, 10:02:56 PM
Buendia was dreadful. He ponders on the ball and then wonders why hes been dispossessed. Too many others didnt really turn up.

Its half time, lets see how next week goes but that was predictable and far too cautious. Hey ho
 

 
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Cropley10 on April 30, 2026, 10:03:05 PM
Missing Onana for the 2nd leg would be a huge miss and Bogarde proving again why we were praying for Onana to be fit to start.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: brontebilly on April 30, 2026, 10:03:21 PM
Unfortunate penalty I thought. Very tight game with attacking players well held on both teams. Onana limping off a huge issue. Other three subs were lively I thought. Need a lot more from McGinn and Tielemans particularly.

Martinez 8 - one super save and solid as a rock in the air
Cash 8 - dealt with MGW really well, strong as ever defensively and poor as ever in the opposition box
Konsa 8 - best game for some time, cool, calm and composed
Torres 6 - distribution very mixed and nervy enough defensively
Digne 5 - poor first half, distribution average and shouldn't be in the team
Onana 7 - very strong first half but yet another muscle injury
Tielemans 5 - struggled once again with pace of game, Anderson utterly dominated
McGinn 6 - just a bit off it tonight, so was Williams. Need more from the captain next week
Buendia 5 - kept losing the ball in silly positions. Overcooking the Rogers through ball was particularly poor
Rogers 7 - strong second half and a decent out ball all night
Watkins 6 - battled hard but missed a huge chance

Bogarde isn't good enough on the ball, other three were lively in fairness. Would much prefer to see Luiz and Maatsen starting.

Emery 6 - predictable line up but faith in Bogarde is misplaced. Subs at least came on a bit earlier tonight.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Crown Hill on April 30, 2026, 10:03:30 PM
Frustrating. We were starting to get on top second half before conceding the penalty.

Onana seemed to walk off ok so not sure why he had to go off really. If it is a calf strain can he recover by next week?
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 30, 2026, 10:03:32 PM
If we play like that next week we won’t win.

We have to be more dynamic.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Steve67 on April 30, 2026, 10:03:39 PM
Yet again we fail to turn up in a semi final. Martinez was ok, Cash and Konsa passable, Buendia was their best player, utterly useless waste of a shirt, list the ball so many times, Watkins lacking yet again. Digne you fucking cock. McGinn was a passenger.  Need to go for it next week.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Ianu on April 30, 2026, 10:04:07 PM
Can’t believe our players and management didn’t make more of the Anderson challenge. Shocking
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: ez on April 30, 2026, 10:04:07 PM
My worry is we went full strength and struggled. We are going to have to find the net somehow at Villa Park.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on April 30, 2026, 10:04:19 PM
Well, we have another chance to redeem ourselves  and prove we aren’t bottling another big moment again, but we had nothing up front tonight.

Really don't understand why we bothered buying Abraham. Surely he can't be that bad? Less than zero can only be.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: brontebilly on April 30, 2026, 10:04:50 PM
We were doing more or less OK until Onana went off. He was making loads of interceptions with his telescopic legs.

After that, we just sort of scrapped our way to the end without creating a single chance.

Play like that again next week and it'll be curtains.

Watkins missed a sitter!
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on April 30, 2026, 10:05:00 PM
Forest will score on the break next week.  We won’t score 3.  That was a fucking shite performance. 
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: LeonW on April 30, 2026, 10:05:06 PM
Well, we have another chance to redeem ourselves  and prove we aren’t bottling another big moment again, but we had nothing up front tonight.

Really don't understand why we bothered buying Abraham. Surely he can't be that bad? Less than zero can only be.

You’d be going to the manager in the summer and asking for a transfer.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Brown, Arce, Hole on April 30, 2026, 10:05:20 PM
Too many shit performances

Digne
Tielemans
Glass legs Onana
Mcginn
Bogarde   fuck me
Buendia   abysmal

Not over but we will need an early goal

Ref atrocious

Mc Ginn was decent.
Buendia awful

Watkins and Rogers didn’t cover themselves in glory either
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Beard82 on April 30, 2026, 10:05:31 PM
Not the worst result.

Var is bollocks - I don’t understand it.  I don’t understand how the Anderson tackle is not a red.  When the video shows it was high over the ball and studs up.

I then don’t understand how the on pitch referee gives it out of play and then var says it wasn’t.  Both are subjective views we don’t have the technology to know iif it was out or not  - we don’t have the lines like we do for offside or the goal line tech.

I think it was an even game - the ref had a shocker and we were on the wrong end of it.  Play at our best and we’ll still go through comfortably   
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Mister E on April 30, 2026, 10:05:43 PM
Blimey, there's been some shite on the match thread and on here. In the first away leg  ofa 2-leg semi-final, the plan is to close down the opposition and minimise goals-conceded. That's what we did, and actually we played quite well, too.
Most of our players played well: Buendia was poor and I'm surprised he started (he's better as a sub), and Bogarde was slack and unreliable. For the rest, we did fine.
Bring in next Thursday!
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: BoVillan esq on April 30, 2026, 10:05:46 PM
We need to PSG them without conceding the early goals. We can do this.

That's it, put another way, its half time we are 1-0 down, against a team very limited in what it can do, they either bludgeons you to death or nothing, I don't think their is anything to be dejected about.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: itbrvilla on April 30, 2026, 10:05:54 PM
Watkins
People losing their minds when there's a second leg at home. Look at the teams we've beaten at home in Europe over the last three years. We're still in the tie which is what you need in Europe. Goid teams are still in the tie when the lose by 2/3 more often than not.
We failed to support anyone who received the bal up the field. No one near them after 4-5 seconds after they've received the ball every fucking time.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: LeonW on April 30, 2026, 10:06:24 PM
Blimey, there's been some shite on the match thread and on here. In the first away leg  ofa 2-leg semi-final, the plan is to close down the opposition and minimise goals-conceded. That's what we did, and actually we played quite well, too.
Most of our players played well: Buendia was poor and I'm surprised he started (he's better as a sub), and Bogarde was slack and unreliable. For the rest, we did fine.
Bring in next Thursday!

How did we play quite well?
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on April 30, 2026, 10:06:24 PM
The ball wasn’t out.  It was a monumentally Keith Curle decision from Digne.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Ianu on April 30, 2026, 10:06:27 PM
Well, we have another chance to redeem ourselves  and prove we aren’t bottling another big moment again, but we had nothing up front tonight.

Really don't understand why we bothered buying Abraham. Surely he can't be that bad? Less than zero can only be.

That is the crucial question. We don’t have the resources that the teams above us have, yet we have the strange Elliot situation, the strange Tammy situation and the strange Malen situation.

If we don’t achieve our goals this year, whoever sanctioned those deals should be held accountable
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Smithy on April 30, 2026, 10:06:31 PM
We were doing more or less OK until Onana went off. He was making loads of interceptions with his telescopic legs.

After that, we just sort of scrapped our way to the end without creating a single chance.

Play like that again next week and it'll be curtains.

Watkins missed a sitter!

And Youri's shot at the end - neither was a gilt-edged chance, but a chance nonetheless.  Not much else though.  (I wouldn't call Sancho's shot a 'chance', really)
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 30, 2026, 10:07:24 PM
There was lots of tired, ropey performances, but Buendia was absolutely appalling.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: john2710 on April 30, 2026, 10:07:36 PM
Nothing in that game, except for a soft penalty & an obvious red card. They created even less than us.

They will make it very difficult next week.

Buendia might as well have been playing for Forest.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: bilsim on April 30, 2026, 10:07:48 PM
I can't see us scoring twice next Thursday
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 30, 2026, 10:07:54 PM
If thought this Thursday was nerve-racking, just wait till next week.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on April 30, 2026, 10:08:18 PM
Next week, they are absolutely going to park the bus and protect the 1-0.

And that is precisely what we struggle against.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Clark W Griswold on April 30, 2026, 10:08:51 PM
With our tenancy to bottle big games in recent years and Forest seeming to come into better form and scoring loads in the last couple of games I expected a complete embarrassment and an unreversable scoreline so the fact that we're still in the tie is something. Concerning though about Onana and I agree that the main issue tonight and quite often lately is the final third, Watkins looks like he's not getting enough support and we keep giving the ball away. Really depends which Villa and which Forest turn up next week but failure of 5th place beating 16th place over two legs is another total bottle job. Please do better next week.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Smithy on April 30, 2026, 10:08:57 PM
Watkins
People losing their minds when there's a second leg at home. Look at the teams we've beaten at home in Europe over the last three years. We're still in the tie which is what you need in Europe. Goid teams are still in the tie when the lose by 2/3 more often than not.
We failed to support anyone who received the bal up the field. No one near them after 4-5 seconds after they've received the ball every fucking time.

My hope is that was just playing to the plan.  Calm, composed, and not taking risks.  I am hoping the home leg will be different.  No gun-ho, obviously (not Unai's style), but I would hope to see more urgency and a bit more willingness to attack in numbers.

Unfortunately, they looked pretty tidy on the break, which makes me nervous as I expect we'll dominate the ball next week, and they'll just be looking to pick us off with breaks when we lose the ball.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Ian. on April 30, 2026, 10:09:36 PM
I thought it was a penalty but also thought Anderson’s was a clear a red as possible. It was a shocking challenge.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 30, 2026, 10:09:39 PM
Next week, they are absolutely going to park the bus and protect the 1-0.

And that is precisely what we struggle against.

Yep it’s played into their hands, and at the moment Unai doesn’t appear particularly able to get us to react when we’re behind.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Woody17 on April 30, 2026, 10:09:42 PM
I can't see us scoring twice next Thursday
I doubt we’d score twice in training between now and then.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: tomd2103 on April 30, 2026, 10:09:50 PM
Just a bit of VAR housekeeping, if they awarded the goal kick, should they really have gone back to then check the handball?  Just thinking back to Rogers at Old Trafford - the ref apparently couldn't go back and review that decision of the foul on tne keeper.

Let's be honest, there have been a lot of those type of away performances this season, so it doesn't really come as a surprise
 We've been a different proposition at home on the whole though, so we'll see.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Paul.S on April 30, 2026, 10:10:03 PM
We are experts at finding ways to lose.
Terrible performance in a semi final yet again but this time we have another chance. Balls that up and I give in.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: BoVillan esq on April 30, 2026, 10:10:06 PM
Well, we have another chance to redeem ourselves  and prove we aren’t bottling another big moment again, but we had nothing up front tonight.

Really don't understand why we bothered buying Abraham. Surely he can't be that bad? Less than zero can only be.

This is a good point, where are these players, were is Allyson, and the other player who's name has escaped me he's been mentioned so little, the 2 cost 20ML, are we saying these players can't even muster a run out from time to time or have we sent them to terraform Mars or something.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on April 30, 2026, 10:10:09 PM
We can be so much better  , I dont think they can.

Still in it but need to bloody improve loads , Im sure next week they will.

Ref was awful , be nice to see buendia control the ball and players pass to each other thou.

No creativity , no width and no intensity again.  Too many games like this. 
 
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on April 30, 2026, 10:10:11 PM
Well, we have another chance to redeem ourselves  and prove we aren’t bottling another big moment again, but we had nothing up front tonight.

Really don't understand why we bothered buying Abraham. Surely he can't be that bad? Less than zero can only be.

You’d be going to the manager in the summer and asking for a transfer.

I've been thinking that for the last few months, Leon.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: itbrvilla on April 30, 2026, 10:10:18 PM
Blimey, there's been some shite on the match thread and on here. In the first away leg  ofa 2-leg semi-final, the plan is to close down the opposition and minimise goals-conceded. That's what we did, and actually we played quite well, too.
Most of our players played well: Buendia was poor and I'm surprised he started (he's better as a sub), and Bogarde was slack and unreliable. For the rest, we did fine.
Bring in next Thursday!
We were poor and with the help of the weaknref, gifted them the game.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: ez on April 30, 2026, 10:10:26 PM
Next week, they are absolutely going to park the bus and protect the 1-0.

And that is precisely what we struggle against.

Exactly what i'm thinking. Forest can smell the final.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: KevinGage on April 30, 2026, 10:10:59 PM
With our tenancy to bottle big games in recent years and Forest seeming to come into better form and scoring loads in the last couple of games I expected a complete embarrassment and an unreversable scoreline so the fact that we're still in the tie is something.

Same as that.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Villatillidie1982 on April 30, 2026, 10:11:10 PM
Watkins
People losing their minds when there's a second leg at home. Look at the teams we've beaten at home in Europe over the last three years. We're still in the tie which is what you need in Europe. Goid teams are still in the tie when the lose by 2/3 more often than not.
We failed to support anyone who received the bal up the field. No one near them after 4-5 seconds after they've received the ball every fucking time.
Hopefully the noise of the crowd will inspire more energy at home. They were allowed too much space but apart from the Emi wonder save did nothing with it.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Ian. on April 30, 2026, 10:11:16 PM
There was lots of tired, ropey performances, but Buendia was absolutely appalling.

I’m not one to criticise a player but Buendia had a right stinker tonight and was driving me nuts.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Clampy on April 30, 2026, 10:11:27 PM
Disappointed with the way we played more than the scoreline. Hopefully a rocking Villa Park will see us through but it needs to be better.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: curiousorange on April 30, 2026, 10:11:33 PM
We're hoping two insipid attacking performances becomes razor sharp again. The only difference we have is what is fans can provide at Villa Park. We will step up, but do I have faith the players will?
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Mister E on April 30, 2026, 10:11:56 PM
Blimey, there's been some shite on the match thread and on here. In the first away leg  ofa 2-leg semi-final, the plan is to close down the opposition and minimise goals-conceded. That's what we did, and actually we played quite well, too.
Most of our players played well: Buendia was poor and I'm surprised he started (he's better as a sub), and Bogarde was slack and unreliable. For the rest, we did fine.
Bring in next Thursday!
How did we play quite well?
Defended well, moved the ball well, created chances, caused them problems ... conceded an unfortunate penalty.
It's halftime!!
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on April 30, 2026, 10:12:16 PM
We’ve been poor for about half the season.  Just a great purple patch after the shocking start until just after new year has got us even close plus other teams inconsistencies.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Aldridge Villa on April 30, 2026, 10:12:24 PM
Blimey, there's been some shite on the match thread and on here. In the first away leg  ofa 2-leg semi-final, the plan is to close down the opposition and minimise goals-conceded. That's what we did, and actually we played quite well, too.
Most of our players played well: Buendia was poor and I'm surprised he started (he's better as a sub), and Bogarde was slack and unreliable. For the rest, we did fine.
Bring in next Thursday!
This takes the biscuit from a talking drivel perspective.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: brontebilly on April 30, 2026, 10:13:17 PM
We were doing more or less OK until Onana went off. He was making loads of interceptions with his telescopic legs.

After that, we just sort of scrapped our way to the end without creating a single chance.

Play like that again next week and it'll be curtains.

Watkins missed a sitter!

And Youri's shot at the end - neither was a gilt-edged chance, but a chance nonetheless.  Not much else though.  (I wouldn't call Sancho's shot a 'chance', really)

Tielemans was a shit effort, make him save it anyway. He's miles off it in my view. Sancho, Rogers etc efforts you expect the keeper to save them. Our set pieces were shit tonight too.

I think Maatsen into the team can give us a lot more legs in second leg, no idea why Digne is playing so much last couple of months. Buendia might be dropped too. Clear Emery hasn't much faith in Luiz but give him 60-70 mins at weekend with Tielemans at 10 and see how they go. Give Rogers a breather.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: itbrvilla on April 30, 2026, 10:13:20 PM
Next week, they are absolutely going to park the bus and protect the 1-0.

And that is precisely what we struggle against.

Exactly what i'm thinking. Forest can smell the final.
Thank fuck they didn't go down to 10 as IMO were the worst team with aan advantage I've ever seen and that extends back to the late 90s.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on April 30, 2026, 10:13:28 PM
Next week, they are absolutely going to park the bus and protect the 1-0.

And that is precisely what we struggle against.

The way they saw the game out they should be fairly confident of succeeding. They reminded me of us first half of the season.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Pat McMahon on April 30, 2026, 10:14:24 PM
I’m in Asia so have been out till after 4 am watching that so apologies for emotion.

Fuck me Digne what an idiot. Firstly I’m
Not sure he knew blonde boy was going for the ball and was slow to react. Secondly don’t wave your pissing arms in the air like a Honolulu dancer. Absolute amateur shite making the refs life simple when the ball just needed shepherding out.

They won all the midfield duels and were first to every second ball. We were tepid and off the pace all round the pitch. I honestly couldn’t name an outfield MOM.

Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Vegas on April 30, 2026, 10:14:28 PM
I thought we didn’t get much from the ref, they didn’t create much but neither did we. Buendia and Bogarde had shockers, but lots of our players a bit flat.  I’m just gutted to be honest. We’ve been better than Forest for a couple of years, but when it mattered we didn’t get big performances out of Rogers, Tielemans, Watkins, McGinn, just like Olympiacos.  Hopefully we pick things up next week but only Konsa, Martinez and Onana pre-injury come out with much credit tonight in our biggest game of the season.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 30, 2026, 10:15:18 PM
Blimey, there's been some shite on the match thread and on here. In the first away leg  ofa 2-leg semi-final, the plan is to close down the opposition and minimise goals-conceded. That's what we did, and actually we played quite well, too.
Most of our players played well: Buendia was poor and I'm surprised he started (he's better as a sub), and Bogarde was slack and unreliable. For the rest, we did fine.
Bring in next Thursday!
We were poor and with the help of the weaknref, gifted them the game.

Yes I admire the optimism, and we might turn it round at Villa Park. But if you don’t set out to score goals/don’t have a coherent way to get them you’re always exposed. Two consecutive 1-0 defeats away won’t be good for confidence. We are under pressure now.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: LeonW on April 30, 2026, 10:15:29 PM
Blimey, there's been some shite on the match thread and on here. In the first away leg  ofa 2-leg semi-final, the plan is to close down the opposition and minimise goals-conceded. That's what we did, and actually we played quite well, too.
Most of our players played well: Buendia was poor and I'm surprised he started (he's better as a sub), and Bogarde was slack and unreliable. For the rest, we did fine.
Bring in next Thursday!
How did we play quite well?
Defended well, moved the ball well, created chances, caused them problems ... conceded an unfortunate penalty.
It's halftime!!

We created one chance of note that I can recall: a deflected shot that fell to Watkins. Difficult opportunity. Let’s not forget that Forrest are in a relegation battle. Jesus expectations are low.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: stevo_st on April 30, 2026, 10:15:52 PM
Onana was superb, the rest were shit.

Konsa and Big Emi played well
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: AlexAlexCropley on April 30, 2026, 10:17:29 PM
Still think the ball was out for the pen.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Rigadon on April 30, 2026, 10:17:34 PM
We have to completely go for the neck from the off next week. Shit result and less than great performance. 

We need to be better next week.  Much much better. 
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: LeonW on April 30, 2026, 10:17:42 PM
Well, we have another chance to redeem ourselves  and prove we aren’t bottling another big moment again, but we had nothing up front tonight.

Really don't understand why we bothered buying Abraham. Surely he can't be that bad? Less than zero can only be.

You’d be going to the manager in the summer and asking for a transfer.

I've been thinking that for the last few months, Leon.

And to add to this; we know we need a turnover of players. I wouldn’t trust the current set up to replace or improve what we have.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: curiousorange on April 30, 2026, 10:17:42 PM
It's commendable trying to have perspective on tonight and the chances of turning it over next week, but talking about how comfortable we were in large part is a red herring. I wasn't concerned about us being uncomfortable, I was concerned about us doing something utterly fucking dumb or being on the wrong end of a dumb decision. I'm still worried about it, even if we play with the shackles off at Villa Park. I don't doubt our talent pool but our concentration absolutely sucks.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: BoVillan esq on April 30, 2026, 10:18:16 PM
Next week will be a very different game, no way does Forest have what it takes to 'Park the Bus' for ninety minutes, away from home, at Villa Park,  we are just 1 goal down. 
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 30, 2026, 10:18:19 PM
3 semis on the trot,piss poor really even if it is only half time. Toothless up front yet again.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 30, 2026, 10:20:09 PM
We were largely comfortable, but we didn’t look like we had an attacking plan at all. You should be pretty comfortable if you’re just focussed on control, the problem is it’s a fucking mountain to climb if you concede first - as we’ve seen the last two games. Compounded by the fact we have no pace in our side really.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 30, 2026, 10:20:10 PM
I don't think we played that badly really and their goal was ridiculous. Concerned about the goals drying up last couple but we've scored eight in our last two home matches.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Chip Butty 111 on April 30, 2026, 10:21:19 PM
Blimey, there's been some shite on the match thread and on here. In the first away leg  ofa 2-leg semi-final, the plan is to close down the opposition and minimise goals-conceded. That's what we did, and actually we played quite well, too.
Most of our players played well: Buendia was poor and I'm surprised he started (he's better as a sub), and Bogarde was slack and unreliable. For the rest, we did fine.
Bring in next Thursday!
How did we play quite well?
Defended well, moved the ball well, created chances, caused them problems ... conceded an unfortunate penalty.
It's halftime!!
..we didn't move the ball well, we didn't create chances(their goalie had a very quiet night) and we didn't cause them problems..
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: ROBBO on April 30, 2026, 10:22:17 PM
Buendia keeps his place because he drops back to defend but his touch is woeful, his golden spell is definately over, Bogarde coming on after his disaster last game is a head scratcher. We had better players on the bench but Unai doesn't play them. We are too reliant on Rogers performing miracles each game. I worry that we have fallen away at precisely the wrong time and I don't fancy us next game against a side trying to avoid relegation, lose that one and we are in dire straits.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Ianu on April 30, 2026, 10:22:52 PM
We need Tielemans pre injury back. He’s still way off his best.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Ads on April 30, 2026, 10:22:55 PM
If somebody could explain to me how Anderton stays on the pitch I'd appreciate it.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: SaddVillan on April 30, 2026, 10:22:58 PM
Forest created one real chance - the Dibu wonder save. And the pen.

Ortega made 2 decent saves in the first half and blocked Ollie's effort in the 2nd half.

Onana went off injured - should be back for the 2nd leg.

The ref/VAR were cretinous re Anderson's tackle on Watkins - a yellow at least, probably a red, but not even reviewed - how so?

Gloom and doom as ever when we lose.

Needed to be more opportunistic/aggressive when we broke forward - perhaps some shots from distance Duran style?

A rocking Villa Park next week channelling our PSG vibe - should see us through.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: curiousorange on April 30, 2026, 10:23:06 PM
It does have the distinct feeling of a deflating balloon with no obvious puncture.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Le Lapin on April 30, 2026, 10:23:16 PM
It's like we can't go up that extra gear to finish off teams and we get in a rut for a few games until we discover we have an extra level and then we look world beaters again. We have it in us to put Forest away, but we seem content to play within outselves and tiptap the ball around with no end product. Need to find our Mojo fast or we are done in the second leg. They'll sit back.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Ianu on April 30, 2026, 10:23:23 PM
If somebody could explain to me how Anderton stays on the pitch I'd appreciate it.

We were all too polite
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 30, 2026, 10:24:20 PM
We played ok. We know what we are capable of when we play well and tonight wasn't it.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: RichardBatchelor on April 30, 2026, 10:24:59 PM
Too many shit performances

Digne
Tielemans
Glass legs Onana
Mcginn
Bogarde   fuck me
Buendia   abysmal

Not over but we will need an early goal

Ref atrocious

Onana played well.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 30, 2026, 10:25:00 PM
Genuine question - can Anderson be retrospectively punished? Or is that gone? I’m outraged that he did that and waved Ollie to get up.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Ads on April 30, 2026, 10:25:07 PM
These ****** think they've won it. Fireworks the lot, the 6 fingered fucking slags.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Clark W Griswold on April 30, 2026, 10:25:16 PM
Buendia has had his moments but as the season has gone on its become more obvious that he should only really be used as a super sub, when the opposition are fucked and he can hurt them with fresh legs and clever play around the penalty area. As a starter he's mostly a liability.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on April 30, 2026, 10:25:23 PM
Next week is going to be the defining moment in Unai’s tenure.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Nii Lamptey on April 30, 2026, 10:25:44 PM
Rogers, for a bloody big fella, is getting knocked off the ball far too easily lately. A far cry from the player who had Declan Rice bouncing off him when he broke into the team.
If he’s being doubled up on, stop holding onto the ball so long and bloody release it!
Fuming! How many more times are we going to shit the bed when it matters?!
Forward play across the team was abysmal tonight. If Onana is missing next week. I think we can kiss goodbye to Istanbul.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Ian. on April 30, 2026, 10:26:39 PM
Onana was superb, the rest were shit.

Konsa and Big Emi played well

Actually, you’re quite right, Konsa did play very and after Onana went off it was really only him trying to drive us forward.

Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: amfy on April 30, 2026, 10:26:58 PM
VAR is supposed to be there for clear and obvious errors, yet can call a ball a millimetre in play, and not call a near leg breaking challenge.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Vegas on April 30, 2026, 10:27:09 PM
Onana was really good
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: ez on April 30, 2026, 10:27:36 PM
It was actually the kind of performance i feared tonight. It's carried over from the Fulham game.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Ian. on April 30, 2026, 10:27:42 PM
If somebody could explain to me how Anderton stays on the pitch I'd appreciate it.

We were all too polite

There’s something to be said how other teams chase down a ref and we don’t.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 30, 2026, 10:27:58 PM
Rogers, for a bloody big fella, is getting knocked off the ball far too easily lately. A far cry from the player who had Declan Rice bouncing off him when he broke into the team.
If he’s being doubled up on, stop holding onto the ball so long and bloody release it!
Fuming! How many more times are we going to shit the bed when it matters?!
Forward play across the team was abysmal tonight. If Onana is missing next week. I think we can kiss goodbye to Istanbul.

Well part of the problem with that is he often had no one around him to give the ball. The absence of movement, and running from midfield makes it so bloody difficult.

I don’t want to labour on it, but Buendia was so bad it was scarcely believable.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: FatSam on April 30, 2026, 10:28:35 PM
Still think the ball was out for the pen.
Agreed. I certainly didn’t see anything that conclusively proved that it wasn’t out. The frame of the goal is in front of the ball, which means it is closer, which due to the laws of perspective means it is bigger.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: DC1874 on April 30, 2026, 10:31:54 PM
Complacency...a reminder!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21022502

After this I have no doubt we can fuck it up next week!

:-(
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: dorsetvillian on April 30, 2026, 10:32:27 PM
Assuming Onana is out for next week Unai now has a huge dilemma again. McGinn more central maybe and a Sancho start. Forest got a penalty tonight when we were so comfortable. They are certainly getting these slices of good fortune in this Europa Cup at key moments. It is annoying that Villa don't impose ourselves in an attacking sense on these away games. Forest looked very ordinary yet we couldn't raise our levels which is a real worry. This team simply have to get over the line next Thursday. The fallout will quite rightly point to constant failure in the crucial games.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Ian. on April 30, 2026, 10:32:42 PM
Rogers, for a bloody big fella, is getting knocked off the ball far too easily lately. A far cry from the player who had Declan Rice bouncing off him when he broke into the team.
If he’s being doubled up on, stop holding onto the ball so long and bloody release it!
Fuming! How many more times are we going to shit the bed when it matters?!
Forward play across the team was abysmal tonight. If Onana is missing next week. I think we can kiss goodbye to Istanbul.

Well part of the problem with that is he often had no one around him to give the ball. The absence of movement, and running from midfield makes it so bloody difficult.

I don’t want to labour on it, but Buendia was so bad it was scarcely believable.

As soon as Rogers has the ball he’s surrounded by three or four players. This should give space to anyone trying to capitalise on that, but we lack the quality in the final third sometimes.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Chris Harte on April 30, 2026, 10:33:16 PM
Still think the ball was out for the pen.
Agreed. I certainly didn’t see anything that conclusively proved that it wasn’t out. The frame of the goal is in front of the ball, which means it is closer, which due to the laws of perspective means it is bigger.
Ball wasn't out, and Digne was a dick in the moment.

Not the result we wanted but we are still in this.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Billy Walker on April 30, 2026, 10:33:36 PM
It's half time and 1-0 down is not a bad result.  Next Thursday night, Villa Park must play its part - we can do this!  UTV.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on April 30, 2026, 10:33:39 PM
andy reid is a c&&&
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: DC1874 on April 30, 2026, 10:33:53 PM
In fact win fuck all again and I'm going to question "what's the point?"
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Villa Lew on April 30, 2026, 10:34:32 PM
Stupid pen to give away was looking an almost certain nil nil, hopefully Onana wtll be fit for next week, we missed him badly when he went off. Buendia was dreadful, should have been subbed at half time.

It's 50/50 going into next week, the way the players were playing endless passes across the back 4 in the last few minutes, it seemed they were happy with the score. The best move of the match was saved until the 90th min, started with a quick throw out from Emi and ended with Tielemans striking the ball over the bar.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on April 30, 2026, 10:35:24 PM
Onana calf. Unai said we will work on him next few days
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Rory on April 30, 2026, 10:36:07 PM
These ****** think they've won it. Fireworks the lot, the 6 fingered fucking slags.

I do enjoy you when you're angry.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on April 30, 2026, 10:36:36 PM
He’s not playing against spurs. 
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: ez on April 30, 2026, 10:36:47 PM
Hush up Karen Carney. Go get a shave.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 30, 2026, 10:37:24 PM
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Mister E on April 30, 2026, 10:38:57 PM
Forest created one real chance - the Dibu wonder save. And the pen.
Ortega made 2 decent saves in the first half and blocked Ollie's effort in the 2nd half.
Onana went off injured - should be back for the 2nd leg.
The ref/VAR were cretinous re Anderson's tackle on Watkins - a yellow at least, probably a red, but not even reviewed - how so?
Gloom and doom as ever when we lose.
Needed to be more opportunistic/aggressive when we broke forward - perhaps some shots from distance Duran style?
A rocking Villa Park next week channelling our PSG vibe - should see us through.
Exactly.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on April 30, 2026, 10:39:12 PM
Welcome to Villa Unai.

FT: Nottingham Forest 1-0 Aston Villa
Unai Emery lost a leg of a Europa League semi-final for the first time since his Sevilla side lost 3-1 at Valencia in May 2014, having gone unbeaten in eight straight semi-final matches in the competition before today (W6 D2
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: brontebilly on April 30, 2026, 10:39:16 PM
Could try Luiz and McGinn in middle v Spurs. Interesting that Sancho came onto the left tonight and Rogers went right. Still there for us but we need a strong performance v Spurs to tee us up nicely for it.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: FatSam on April 30, 2026, 10:39:25 PM
On Andy Reid’s argument that Anderson won the ball and it was just a coming together between two players: What the actual fuck?Anderson went over the top of the ball with his studs up and went into Watkins’ ankle
With his full momentum. That is the definition of being out of control.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Baldy on April 30, 2026, 10:40:09 PM
Deep down, I think Unai will not be to disappointed with that result. Even our players seemed to settle for 1-0.

We all know what Villa Park is like on a big european night and I reckon the villans in the crowd will roar/energise the lads over the line. We will be set up to attack with a lot more intent and I didn't see anything from Forest tonight to worry us on the counter attack.

It will be all guns blazing in the second half. 

3-1 Villa on aggregate
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 30, 2026, 10:41:26 PM
Welcome to Villa Unai.

FT: Nottingham Forest 1-0 Aston Villa
Unai Emery lost a leg of a Europa League semi-final for the first time since his Sevilla side lost 3-1 at Valencia in May 2014, having gone unbeaten in eight straight semi-final matches in the competition before today (W6 D2

Well it’s 4 semi-final games played 4 lost for us so far. Hopefully the 5th times a charm.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: wince on April 30, 2026, 10:42:44 PM
Will we actually turn up? And if we don’t what is the point of even competing. Made it harder for ourselves than needs be. I am not happy going into next week a goal down. But predictable as this is Aston rabbit in the headlights Villa.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Halfway to Moseley on April 30, 2026, 10:43:52 PM
With previous Emery teams, 1-0 down against Forest with the home leg still to go, I’d absolutely fancy us.

That’s not the case at the minute - I’m not sure this team has it in them. I hope I’m wrong.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 30, 2026, 10:44:12 PM
Carrying on from before the match, I don't think I've ever seen a more biased report than Nick the prick Mashiter on the BBC. 
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: tomd2103 on April 30, 2026, 10:44:28 PM
On Andy Reid’s argument that Anderson won the ball and it was just a coming together between two players: What the actual fuck?Anderson went over the top of the ball with his studs up and went into Watkins’ ankle
With his full momentum. That is the definition of being out of control.

Would have been a red in the Premier League.  I'm still a bit puzzled by the process of the penalty award.  He clearly gave a goal kick, so for a penalty to be awarded, they had to overturn the goal kick decision first and I'm not sure how they could do that.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Goldenballs on April 30, 2026, 10:44:40 PM
Another manager we've destroyed!
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: TopDeck113 on April 30, 2026, 10:45:14 PM
And another one! (Villa no-show in a semi-final)

Thank goodness it's only 1-0
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Mellin on April 30, 2026, 10:47:19 PM
I must've misunderstood and we've been knocked out tonight. I'm gonna give people the benefit of the doubt and presume beers have been consumed. Jesus.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: taylorsworkrate on April 30, 2026, 10:49:19 PM
On Andy Reid’s argument that Anderson won the ball and it was just a coming together between two players: What the actual fuck?Anderson went over the top of the ball with his studs up and went into Watkins’ ankle
With his full momentum. That is the definition of being out of control.

Would have been a red in the Premier League.  I'm still a bit puzzled by the process of the penalty award.  He clearly gave a goal kick, so for a penalty to be awarded, they had to overturn the goal kick decision first and I'm not sure how they could do that.

It was clearly not fully over the line as shown by several angles. Its just unforgivable from Digne
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Monty on April 30, 2026, 10:50:31 PM
Fucking, I just hate Villa.

I was born in 1990, I don't really remember the 90s League Cups. However - I remember the worst FA Cup final in history, I remember the Vidic-Terry diumverate of fuck in 2010, I remember the Bradford debacle, the Arsenal debacle, the Olympiakos debacle, the Crystal Palace debacle.

And now this fucking shit. It's always something. I suppose the atrocious Anderson decision (reminded me irresistibly of Gerrard's red on Boateng some 25 years ago) makes a bit of a triumvirate of fuck, albeit from an absolute homer of a ref rather than a craven sycophant. But it's also a shiteshow. What in the fuck Digne, a reliable and experienced player, was thinking...We managed turn a 0-0 into a 0-1 with that shit.

I'm just sick of it. I'm sick of our biggest games being always our worst performances. I'm sick of our bad form whenever the business end happens, whether our coach is one of the best in the business or Tim actual Sherwood (sorry Unai, your Europa League magic is no match for The Curse). I'm sick of it always being fucking something, we never just have a nice, good day. And I wouldn't mind as much if we never got close, it's the endless fandancing that annoys me. Like, for Christ's sake Salome, either take it off or put it all away and stop bothering me.

No problem with Forest, proper club, not their fault they got that ref, I'm sure we'd be happy as anything with the roles reversed and I can't blame them. It's not like they're Chelsea.

At least there's the second leg. Lol.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: DC1874 on April 30, 2026, 10:55:21 PM
Last season I called us "The New Spurs" because we have become the stereotypical "Bottlers" - but I suppose it could be worse? Although our "nearest and dearest" have the shout that they were the last West Midlands team to win a trophy :-(
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: brontebilly on April 30, 2026, 10:55:50 PM
Last season I called us "The New Spurs" because we have become the stereotypical "Bottlers" - but I suppose it could be worse? Although our "nearest and dearest" have the shout that they were the last West Midlands team to win a trophy :-(

It's half time!
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: itbrvilla on April 30, 2026, 10:56:23 PM
Terry's tackle on Milner comes to mind.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: curiousorange on April 30, 2026, 10:56:25 PM
Mentality is just something that can't be coached. You earn it through putting everything on the line to win. How many Villa players since those League Cups can you say we've had that applies to?

Turn up, get the flags out, have a picnic and go home skint. That's how Villa do things. If we ever want it to stop, next week has to be the time, because if we don't do it then, we never will again.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: ez on April 30, 2026, 10:56:36 PM
What concerns me is the lack of chances we created, again.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: fredm on April 30, 2026, 10:56:48 PM
On Andy Reid’s argument that Anderson won the ball and it was just a coming together between two players: What the actual fuck?Anderson went over the top of the ball with his studs up and went into Watkins’ ankle
With his full momentum. That is the definition of being out of control.

Would have been a red in the Premier League.  I'm still a bit puzzled by the process of the penalty award.  He clearly gave a goal kick, so for a penalty to be awarded, they had to overturn the goal kick decision first and I'm not sure how they could do that.

As said above, the referee gave a goal kick award. As far as I am aware the VAR has no decision to make regarding goal kicks or corner kicks. Therefore how come the VAR got involved when the referee had made the decision that the ball went out of play and awarded a goal kick.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Smirker on April 30, 2026, 10:57:32 PM
Predictable negativity to an OK result.

We'll win the second leg comfortably.

See you after the second leg.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 30, 2026, 10:59:00 PM
I do not and WILL NOT believe that Monty is ten years younger than me.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 30, 2026, 11:01:03 PM
In fact win fuck all again and I'm going to question "what's the point?"

Bye.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: The Man With A Stick on April 30, 2026, 11:02:30 PM
We're a different beast at home.  We'll be fine next week.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on April 30, 2026, 11:03:32 PM
Predictable negativity to an OK result.

We'll win the second leg comfortably.

See you after the second leg.
Exactly this.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on April 30, 2026, 11:04:06 PM
Predictable negativity to an OK result.

We'll win the second leg comfortably.

See you after the second leg.

If he plays Rogers in the middle and picks old man Digne again next week, I wouldn’t be so confident, to be honest.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on April 30, 2026, 11:05:48 PM
It is highly annoying and would be just so, fucking so Villa, to manage to fuck this up.

However, it's only 1-0, and turgid though we were at times, and have been away for a long while now, it was very nearly 0-0. We can do Forest at home, no doubt about that.

We just need to fucking deliver and get it done. No more final (or final minus one) hurdle fuck ups, Villa.

I don't see us ever having a better manager than this one, and better owners than these, so if we still manage to not win anything this season, or not qualify for the CL, I reckon we all just find a new hobby.

Because that, too, would be SO Villa.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: aj2k77 on April 30, 2026, 11:07:08 PM
We show no nous going forwards. Massive up hill battle now because they'll put everyone behind the ball and hope we get edgy and make a nervous mistake.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: tomd2103 on April 30, 2026, 11:07:48 PM
On Andy Reid’s argument that Anderson won the ball and it was just a coming together between two players: What the actual fuck?Anderson went over the top of the ball with his studs up and went into Watkins’ ankle
With his full momentum. That is the definition of being out of control.

Would have been a red in the Premier League.  I'm still a bit puzzled by the process of the penalty award.  He clearly gave a goal kick, so for a penalty to be awarded, they had to overturn the goal kick decision first and I'm not sure how they could do that.

As said above, the referee gave a goal kick award. As far as I am aware the VAR has no decision to make regarding goal kicks or corner kicks. Therefore how come the VAR got involved when the referee had made the decision that the ball went out of play and awarded a goal kick.

That's what I don't get.  In the one still they showed it was pretty clear the ball had left the Forest player's foot so wasn't accurate.  Take the Rogers goal at Old Trafford last season.  The referee gave a foul, but we were told that they could not go back and look at that decision even though it was wrong.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Monty on April 30, 2026, 11:09:40 PM
Not going to litigate the pen, would've been apoplectic not to have got it the other way. It's just a tale of two VARs - or rather, of one dog that didn't VARk in the nighttime.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: itbrvilla on April 30, 2026, 11:09:51 PM
We show no nous going forwards. Massive up hill battle now because they'll put everyone behind the ball and hope we get edgy and make a nervous mistake.
Getting worse over the last 3 seasons.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: john2710 on April 30, 2026, 11:16:44 PM
We need a much more attacking line up next week.
Maatsen & Sancho to start. No Digne or Buendia.

Forest will definitely park the bus.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on April 30, 2026, 11:16:58 PM
The ball wasn’t out.  It was a monumentally Keith Curle decision from Digne.

Nothing like the Keith Curle penalty. I clearly remember him catching the ball with both hands, running to the ref blowing on his whistle putting the ball on the penalty spot then stamping on his own keepers hands while muttering f*ck you Man U.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Mellin on April 30, 2026, 11:19:44 PM
We show no nous going forwards. Massive up hill battle now because they'll put everyone behind the ball and hope we get edgy and make a nervous mistake.
Getting worse over the last 3 seasons.

I'm gonna blow your minds here. it's because our attack, as a collective, isn't top level. It was better last season and the season before. But we're still in the Champions League spots, comfortably, and have a one goal deficit going into the home leg of a European semi-final.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on April 30, 2026, 11:21:13 PM
We show no nous going forwards. Massive up hill battle now because they'll put everyone behind the ball and hope we get edgy and make a nervous mistake.
Getting worse over the last 3 seasons.

I'm gonna blow your minds here. it's because our attack, as a collective, isn't top level. It was better last season and the season before. But we're still in the Champions League spots, comfortably, and have a one goal deficit going into the home leg of a European semi-final.

Nah, we’re shit and the tie is lost. No point turning up next week.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: stevo_st on April 30, 2026, 11:22:49 PM
Result based on VAR intervening on one big call and not another.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Mellin on April 30, 2026, 11:24:24 PM
Result based on VAR intervening on one big call and not another.

Agreed. The one doesn't happen if the other is called correctly either. What can you do?
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Mellin on April 30, 2026, 11:25:27 PM
We show no nous going forwards. Massive up hill battle now because they'll put everyone behind the ball and hope we get edgy and make a nervous mistake.
Getting worse over the last 3 seasons.

I'm gonna blow your minds here. it's because our attack, as a collective, isn't top level. It was better last season and the season before. But we're still in the Champions League spots, comfortably, and have a one goal deficit going into the home leg of a European semi-final.

Nah, we’re shit and the tie is lost. No point turning up next week.

Call it off. We're Villa. We're shit. Last time I checked we were in the Championship 6/7 years ago. That was shit. This is great.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Nunkin1965 on April 30, 2026, 11:26:42 PM
Last season I called us "The New Spurs" because we have become the stereotypical "Bottlers" - but I suppose it could be worse? Although our "nearest and dearest" have the shout that they were the last West Midlands team to win a trophy :-(
I suggest you go and support another side or take up another hobby
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Villan82 on April 30, 2026, 11:29:28 PM
It feels like some sort of collective breakdown brought on  by us having too much riding on the competition because the wait has been so long for silverware.

We have 7 days to get it out of our system and make Villa Park roar us over the line.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: john2710 on April 30, 2026, 11:32:23 PM
First time I can remember Emery being very vocal about the decision not to send off Anderson. He's not very happy at all.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: berneboy on April 30, 2026, 11:34:37 PM

Thank you
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithe on April 30, 2026, 11:35:20 PM
Bit of a nothing game with neither team willing to commit the players forward needed to make it better.

The game plan nearly worked, Digne is a fucking idiot.

I wasn’t confident before so not unduly terrified going into the second leg 1 down.

The Anderson tackle, mistimed. I honestly thought the ref was really good letting the game flow and the tackles land
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on April 30, 2026, 11:37:10 PM
Sorry if this was posted earlier. Rare you hear Unai being so scathing about any officiating but he was livid at VAR for not reviewing the foul on Ollie

https://xcancel.com/footballontnt/status/2049965814975955165?s=46
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithe on April 30, 2026, 11:38:47 PM
Unai was right in the sight line and didn’t react, he immediately looked away and gave someone else a bollocking
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on April 30, 2026, 11:40:49 PM
First time I can remember Emery being very vocal about the decision not to send off Anderson. He's not very happy at all.

Long overdue really. We might not like it and hate it when others do it but we’ve been far too passive about past poor decisions that have gone against us in the past and we’ve had to tolerate some absolute whoppers.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Max Villan on April 30, 2026, 11:43:57 PM
Fucking, I just hate Villa.

I was born in 1990, I don't really remember the 90s League Cups. However - I remember the worst FA Cup final in history, I remember the Vidic-Terry diumverate of fuck in 2010, I remember the Bradford debacle, the Arsenal debacle, the Olympiakos debacle, the Crystal Palace debacle.

And now this fucking shit. It's always something. I suppose the atrocious Anderson decision (reminded me irresistibly of Gerrard's red on Boateng some 25 years ago) makes a bit of a triumvirate of fuck, albeit from an absolute homer of a ref rather than a craven sycophant. But it's also a shiteshow. What in the fuck Digne, a reliable and experienced player, was thinking...We managed turn a 0-0 into a 0-1 with that shit.

I'm just sick of it. I'm sick of our biggest games being always our worst performances. I'm sick of our bad form whenever the business end happens, whether our coach is one of the best in the business or Tim actual Sherwood (sorry Unai, your Europa League magic is no match for The Curse). I'm sick of it always being fucking something, we never just have a nice, good day. And I wouldn't mind as much if we never got close, it's the endless fandancing that annoys me. Like, for Christ's sake Salome, either take it off or put it all away and stop bothering me.

No problem with Forest, proper club, not their fault they got that ref, I'm sure we'd be happy as anything with the roles reversed and I can't blame them. It's not like they're Chelsea.

At least there's the second leg. Lol.

I'm the same age mate. Seen Bolton, Palace, Bradford and countless other shithouse teams confidently dispatch us when it matters.

Starting to become a bit numb to it tbh, it's almost more painful to get so so close and fail so often than to never get anywhere near.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Monty on April 30, 2026, 11:44:21 PM
Sorry if this was posted earlier. Rare you hear Unai being so scathing about any officiating but he was livid at VAR for not reviewing the foul on Ollie

https://xcancel.com/footballontnt/status/2049965814975955165?s=46

Yep, tells its own story. Still goes out of his way to praise the ref, to say it wasn't his fault, to be a gent about it all, but yeah. Insane that the VAR hasn't sent the ref to the monitor over that.

I think it's the outrage over player safety that's sent him over the edge tbh. Like, reds for hairpulling but not for possible ankle-breakers? It's not right.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: stevo_st on May 01, 2026, 12:01:43 AM
Back in the day that would have prompted a brawl with a couple of players sent off, usually one from each side to keep the game an even contest.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Skipper_The_Eyechild on May 01, 2026, 12:06:26 AM
These ****** think they've won it. Fireworks the lot, the 6 fingered fucking slags.

I do enjoy you when you're angry.

To be fair to them, the fireworks are from a local restaurant who set them off when they win, it's not the club. As you were with the slag stuff.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Brend'Watkins on May 01, 2026, 12:12:25 AM
We’re 1-0 down with 90 Minutes to go. I think we will prevail.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Somniloquism on May 01, 2026, 12:20:02 AM
Would have been interesting, if Digne had realised he was playing Football and not Handball, if the lino would have flagged for it crossing the line before any chance on goal from the cross. I know they hold back on offsides but not sure on balls crossing lines.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: olaftab on May 01, 2026, 12:23:29 AM
C-
What about attendance and good attitude to learning?
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: tomd2103 on May 01, 2026, 12:26:32 AM
Would have been interesting, if Digne had realised he was playing Football and not Handball, if the lino would have flagged for it crossing the line before any chance on goal from the cross. I know they hold back on offsides but not sure on balls crossing lines.

The ref clearly gave a goal kick, so the lino must have flagged.  The VAR official then intervened and the award of the goal kick was overturned despite there being no real definitive proof that an error was made.  Brentford at home all over again. 
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: olaftab on May 01, 2026, 12:29:46 AM
Onana calf.
Calf or Veal?
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: olaftab on May 01, 2026, 12:31:08 AM
These ****** think they've won it. Fireworks the lot, the 6 fingered fucking slags.
I do enjoy you when you're angry.
Its a common sex fettish. 
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Somniloquism on May 01, 2026, 12:38:43 AM
Would have been interesting, if Digne had realised he was playing Football and not Handball, if the lino would have flagged for it crossing the line before any chance on goal from the cross. I know they hold back on offsides but not sure on balls crossing lines.

The ref clearly gave a goal kick, so the lino must have flagged.  The VAR official then intervened and the award of the goal kick was overturned despite there being no real definitive proof that an error was made.  Brentford at home all over again.

Unlike the Brentford one, there was a camera pretty much in line with the goal line and goal posts are the same width as goal lines so with the ball not clearing the post, I would state it was in. If he blew straight after the cross hit the arm, then I suspect it was after the hit on the hand but before any goal would have been scored.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: tomd2103 on May 01, 2026, 12:47:23 AM
Would have been interesting, if Digne had realised he was playing Football and not Handball, if the lino would have flagged for it crossing the line before any chance on goal from the cross. I know they hold back on offsides but not sure on balls crossing lines.

The ref clearly gave a goal kick, so the lino must have flagged.  The VAR official then intervened and the award of the goal kick was overturned despite there being no real definitive proof that an error was made.  Brentford at home all over again.

Unlike the Brentford one, there was a camera pretty much in line with the goal line and goal posts are the same width as goal lines so with the ball not clearing the post, I would state it was in. If he blew straight after the cross hit the arm, then I suspect it was after the hit on the hand but before any goal would have been scored.

In the still that you mention, the ball has either already left the player's foot or hasn't got there yet.  Either way, it doesn't capture the precise moment of contact so can't be accurate.  It might be arguing semantics, but you've got officials basically making their own processes up at critical points in massive games.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 01, 2026, 12:54:45 AM
I’ve decided and I’m convinced we are going to fucking funeral them in the second leg.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Somniloquism on May 01, 2026, 01:01:06 AM
In the still that you mention, the ball has either already left the player's foot or hasn't got there yet.  Either way, it doesn't capture the precise moment of contact so can't be accurate.  It might be arguing semantics, but you've got officials basically making their own processes up at critical points in massive games.

You do realise the still was used for the illustration purposes and whole frame set is reviewed until they find one as close to contact as 1/100th* of a second allows. But I was also making my own judgement based on the slo-mo shown by TNT where the leg is about to make contact and half the ball is pitchside of the goal post and when contact is made a small sliver is showing the other side of the post and it goes almost straight up. So yes, it was wasn't over the line.

On rewatching it again, Digne was claiming the ball had crossed the line and it was "our ball". No Lucas, it wasn't, keep you hands down next time.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 01, 2026, 01:07:08 AM
Buendia was just awful, and Bogarde was almost as bad.
It is really difficult to win football matches when you consistently give the ball to the opposition
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Rory on May 01, 2026, 01:07:39 AM
These ****** think they've won it. Fireworks the lot, the 6 fingered fucking slags.
I do enjoy you when you're angry.
Its a common sex fettish.

Specific to Ads?
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Rory on May 01, 2026, 01:12:06 AM
Sorry if this was posted earlier. Rare you hear Unai being so scathing about any officiating but he was livid at VAR for not reviewing the foul on Ollie

https://xcancel.com/footballontnt/status/2049965814975955165?s=46

Yep, tells its own story. Still goes out of his way to praise the ref, to say it wasn't his fault, to be a gent about it all, but yeah. Insane that the VAR hasn't sent the ref to the monitor over that.

I think it's the outrage over player safety that's sent him over the edge tbh. Like, reds for hairpulling but not for possible ankle-breakers? It's not right.

I agree that concern for a player's welfare makes an incident like that much more serious than just a bad decision.

Don't agree with the downplaying of hair-pulling. That can cause serious neck injuries, and should be a red card.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Matt C on May 01, 2026, 01:40:45 AM
We had it under control and save a daft penalty that had 0-0 written all over it. The tie is far from over.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: rooboy316 on May 01, 2026, 02:45:40 AM
I do not and WILL NOT believe that Monty is ten years younger than me.

That's the most shocking thing I've read on this thread. My mental image of him is at least a decade or two older.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: CT Villan on May 01, 2026, 02:50:55 AM
and he's wearing a beret, right ?
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 01, 2026, 02:58:58 AM
Ex ref Keith Hackett’s opinion on the Anderson tackle on Ollie

https://xcancel.com/footyinsider247/status/2049960734713409844?s=46
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 01, 2026, 03:09:41 AM
Would have been interesting, if Digne had realised he was playing Football and not Handball, if the lino would have flagged for it crossing the line before any chance on goal from the cross. I know they hold back on offsides but not sure on balls crossing lines.

The ref clearly gave a goal kick, so the lino must have flagged.  The VAR official then intervened and the award of the goal kick was overturned despite there being no real definitive proof that an error was made.  Brentford at home all over again.

Unlike the Brentford one, there was a camera pretty much in line with the goal line and goal posts are the same width as goal lines so with the ball not clearing the post, I would state it was in. If he blew straight after the cross hit the arm, then I suspect it was after the hit on the hand but before any goal would have been scored.

In the still that you mention, the ball has either already left the player's foot or hasn't got there yet.  Either way, it doesn't capture the precise moment of contact so can't be accurate.  It might be arguing semantics, but you've got officials basically making their own processes up at critical points in massive games.

Correct. As you say, like Brentford, where there was no conclusive proof to overturn the original decision.

Ironic, as there was more conclusive proof to overturn the Rogers “foul” at OT.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 01, 2026, 03:14:00 AM
In the still that you mention, the ball has either already left the player's foot or hasn't got there yet.  Either way, it doesn't capture the precise moment of contact so can't be accurate.  It might be arguing semantics, but you've got officials basically making their own processes up at critical points in massive games.

You do realise the still was used for the illustration purposes and whole frame set is reviewed until they find one as close to contact as 1/100th* of a second allows. But I was also making my own judgement based on the slo-mo shown by TNT where the leg is about to make contact and half the ball is pitchside of the goal post and when contact is made a small sliver is showing the other side of the post and it goes almost straight up. So yes, it was wasn't over the line.

On rewatching it again, Digne was claiming the ball had crossed the line and it was "our ball". No Lucas, it wasn't, keep you hands down next time.

Where in the rules does it say that VAR is responsible for ensuring the correct decision is arrived at re: the awarding of goal kicks?
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Rory on May 01, 2026, 04:12:54 AM
I do not and WILL NOT believe that Monty is ten years younger than me.

That's the most shocking thing I've read on this thread. My mental image of him is at least a decade or two older.

You haven't seen his thighs, like I have.

Beautifully toned.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: eye digress on May 01, 2026, 06:22:10 AM
Bit of an attritional game last night in which we, as the away side, had at least an equal share of the play on just about every metric except VAR.

We were patchy but it was more a question of fine margins and fortune, I felt. I mean, did we actually play worse than, say, away at Bologna?

That misfortune was compounded by the loss of Onana.

Still, we were always going to have to win at Villa Park, so the dial hasn't been turned that much. We're going to need to suffer to win through, I suspect.

One thing though... Dougie against Olympiacos, Mings against Bruges, now Digne at Forest... I mean, seriously, Villa?





Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: geolex on May 01, 2026, 06:23:26 AM
On Andy Reid’s argument that Anderson won the ball and it was just a coming together between two players: What the actual fuck?Anderson went over the top of the ball with his studs up and went into Watkins’ ankle
With his full momentum. That is the definition of being out of control.

Would have been a red in the Premier League.  I'm still a bit puzzled by the process of the penalty award.  He clearly gave a goal kick, so for a penalty to be awarded, they had to overturn the goal kick decision first and I'm not sure how they could do that.

As said above, the referee gave a goal kick award. As far as I am aware the VAR has no decision to make regarding goal kicks or corner kicks. Therefore how come the VAR got involved when the referee had made the decision that the ball went out of play and awarded a goal kick.
it didnt check for goal kick or corner it checked for a possible handball before the ball went out.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on May 01, 2026, 06:29:01 AM
Played ok defensively, offensively pretty poor again as we have been away from home for a while.

Lady Luck/VAR wank went against as per normal in any big game.

Not overly confident for the return as we’ve given Forest something to hang onto and I suspect they’ll do just that.

Stupid me for getting my hopes up that a generational, stellar performance last night would occur and we’d be in control of the tie.

Pretty pissed off all in all this morning.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 01, 2026, 06:42:13 AM
Let’s be clear there’s two things here - it’s not an ideal result, but it’s far from a disaster. We wouldn’t have taken it before the game, but it’s a manageable scoreline.

However, it was a deliberate approach to focus on control - which isn’t a surprise - but in doing so that was clearly with the primary intent of not conceding. As a result we struggled to change gear when we went behind.

We have to take a different approach in the home leg - I’m not meaning complete hell for leather attack, but we have to be so much more coherent and purposeful in attack. We’re highly unlikely to go through if we only create a handful of chances.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Rigadon on May 01, 2026, 06:51:37 AM
It was important that the ref didn’t let them get away with their usual wrestling.   But he did.  They got the marginal decisions. 

They are the ugliest team, both facially and in how they play. 
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Max Villan on May 01, 2026, 06:55:14 AM
Still gutted this morning. I mean just by the law of averages we should be getting through one of these semi finals, but we always manage to find a way to Villa it all up.

We've got a chance next week but I can't deal with getting my hopes up again.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 01, 2026, 06:56:31 AM
Carrying on from before the match, I don't think I've ever seen a more biased report than Nick the prick Mashiter on the BBC. 

Yes I don’t really get his agenda.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: curiousorange on May 01, 2026, 07:07:06 AM

They are the ugliest team, both facially and in how they play.

And yet these are the qualities of knockout football which seems to stop us winning competitions. No guile, no acknowledgement that marginal decisions can be unfair. And a troglodyte Forest team is in with a better chance of winning a trophy than us because they're not looking to win friends.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on May 01, 2026, 07:09:59 AM
Didn’t comment last night as everyone seemed a bit fraught. I was the most nervous before a game than I can ever remember, stakes being high for all sorts of reasons and deep down I feared coming away two or three down
I dont know if its because i watched it in the Warehouse, which a rocking good atmosphere to be honest, really really loud, that I just didn’t see the turgidity that some people mentioned.
I saw a bit of a blood and thunder game, with two teams going at each other and a draw would of been a completely fair result. We make a mistake and get punished, before that they should of been down to ten men for a shocking tackle and in one way or another that changes the game.

They had the chance when Martinez makes a worldie, we had the chance when it came at Watkins quickly.

Im really not be one eyed here, but there is not a part of me that does not envisage us winning that game of football next Thursday.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Beard82 on May 01, 2026, 07:27:17 AM
First time I can remember Emery being very vocal about the decision not to send off Anderson. He's not very happy at all.

Long overdue really. We might not like it and hate it when others do it but we’ve been far too passive about past poor decisions that have gone against us in the past and we’ve had to tolerate some absolute whoppers.
The standard of refs is such we have to do it as it’s the only way to get a decision
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Nunkin1965 on May 01, 2026, 07:28:06 AM
Didn’t comment last night as everyone seemed a bit fraught. I was the most nervous before a game than I can ever remember, stakes being high for all sorts of reasons and deep down I feared coming away two or three down
I dont know if its because i watched it in the Warehouse, which a rocking good atmosphere to be honest, really really loud, that I just didn’t see the turgidity that some people mentioned.
I saw a bit of a blood and thunder game, with two teams going at each other and a draw would of been a completely fair result. We make a mistake and get punished, before that they should of been down to ten men for a shocking tackle and in one way or another that changes the game.

They had the chance when Martinez makes a worldie, we had the chance when it came at Watkins quickly.

Im really not be one eyed here, but there is not a part of me that does not envisage us winning that game of football next Thursday.
I'm in agreement with this and yes a big shout for The Warehouse atmosphere last night.
I think we were at the wrong end of a very tight game which I think we put right next week.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Beard82 on May 01, 2026, 07:39:44 AM
I do not and WILL NOT believe that Monty is ten years younger than me.

That's the most shocking thing I've read on this thread. My mental image of him is at least a decade or two older.
This has been my main take away from the night.  Villa lost, vars shit and I’m old
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: aj2k77 on May 01, 2026, 08:16:25 AM
Surely this group will give it their all next Thursday and get this over the line. Otherwise it's Olympiakos, Palace, Notts Forest. 3 Semi Finals against 3 very beatable sides all lost. It would be hard to not say they can't manage the biggest moments in knockout games and that would be a hard way for this to end for them.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: tomd2103 on May 01, 2026, 08:18:08 AM
In the still that you mention, the ball has either already left the player's foot or hasn't got there yet.  Either way, it doesn't capture the precise moment of contact so can't be accurate.  It might be arguing semantics, but you've got officials basically making their own processes up at critical points in massive games.

You do realise the still was used for the illustration purposes and whole frame set is reviewed until they find one as close to contact as 1/100th* of a second allows. But I was also making my own judgement based on the slo-mo shown by TNT where the leg is about to make contact and half the ball is pitchside of the goal post and when contact is made a small sliver is showing the other side of the post and it goes almost straight up. So yes, it was wasn't over the line.

On rewatching it again, Digne was claiming the ball had crossed the line and it was "our ball". No Lucas, it wasn't, keep you hands down next time.

I genuinely don't know what they do or watch to be totally honest.  It's more how get can overturn the awarding of a goal.kick that puzzles me.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Demitri_C on May 01, 2026, 08:23:17 AM
The way forest celebrated at end you would think the tie is done.

I really hope we turn up 2nd leg as we were not  at our best at all. Too many poor performers like buendia, digne and youri. All had stinkers

We need to come up with a plan B as all our attacking play was coming from morgan and they just doubled up on him.

Next week get dougie in there at least he tries to make things happen. Go him youri and mcginn. Maybe even sancho instead of buendia  too
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Des Little on May 01, 2026, 08:23:20 AM
My take is this.  Until that daft pen, the game was panning out exactly as we wanted it to, we controlled the game and gave them very little - in fact at HT I felt that we were going to go on and win it.  We were badly let down by VAR, and whatever Digne was thinking is anyone's guess -  in the end I was just hoping that we could keep it at 1-0, because I honestly believe we'll turn this lot over at VP next week.  For that to happen, we need to take the game to them from the off and look to score early - we also need more width, so for what it's worth I'd start SJM in the 10, play Sancho (yes I've said it) on the wing and bring Maatsen in for Digne. One thing is for sure, when our chances come, we have to bloody well take them - Watkins and Rogers need to be 100% on it.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: London Villan on May 01, 2026, 08:23:53 AM
Far too passive, like in so many cup matches. We’re not done yet, but we don’t half make it difficult for ourselves.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Villa Lew on May 01, 2026, 08:24:40 AM
My worry is that it will end up going to pens, which will terrify me, looking at Wood's penalty, I can't remember the last time a Villa player hit a pen like that.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Demitri_C on May 01, 2026, 08:25:41 AM
My take is this.  Until that daft pen, the game was panning out exactly as we wanted it to, we controlled the game and gave them very little - in fact at HT I felt that we were going to go on and win it.  We were badly let down by VAR, and whatever Digne was thinking is anyone's guess -  in the end I was just hoping that we could keep it at 1-0, because I honestly believe we'll turn this lot over at VP next week.  For that to happen, we need to take the game to them from the off and look to score early - we also need more width, so for what it's worth I'd start SJM in the 10, play Sancho (yes I've said it) on the wing and bring Maatsen in for Digne. One thing is for sure, when our chances come, we have to bloody well take them - Watkins and Rogers need to be 100% on it.

If we score early, i can see us beating forest and them crumbling. But if we start with this slow patient side passing  shit again it just helps forest. As you say we need to start quickly
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Mister E on May 01, 2026, 08:25:59 AM
Didn’t comment last night as everyone seemed a bit fraught. I was the most nervous before a game than I can ever remember, stakes being high for all sorts of reasons and deep down I feared coming away two or three down
I dont know if its because i watched it in the Warehouse, which a rocking good atmosphere to be honest, really really loud, that I just didn’t see the turgidity that some people mentioned.
I saw a bit of a blood and thunder game, with two teams going at each other and a draw would of been a completely fair result. We make a mistake and get punished, before that they should of been down to ten men for a shocking tackle and in one way or another that changes the game.
They had the chance when Martinez makes a worldie, we had the chance when it came at Watkins quickly.
Im really not be one eyed here, but there is not a part of me that does not envisage us winning that game of football next Thursday.
Totally agree with your game-assessment, mate; nice to read something with a bit of perspective
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 01, 2026, 08:26:17 AM
In the still that you mention, the ball has either already left the player's foot or hasn't got there yet.  Either way, it doesn't capture the precise moment of contact so can't be accurate.  It might be arguing semantics, but you've got officials basically making their own processes up at critical points in massive games.

You do realise the still was used for the illustration purposes and whole frame set is reviewed until they find one as close to contact as 1/100th* of a second allows. But I was also making my own judgement based on the slo-mo shown by TNT where the leg is about to make contact and half the ball is pitchside of the goal post and when contact is made a small sliver is showing the other side of the post and it goes almost straight up. So yes, it was wasn't over the line.

On rewatching it again, Digne was claiming the ball had crossed the line and it was "our ball". No Lucas, it wasn't, keep you hands down next time.

I genuinely don't know what they do or watch to be totally honest.  It's more how get can overturn the awarding of a goal.kick that puzzles me.
VAR is there to adjudicate on a possible penalty, if they had determined the ball was out of play they wouldn’t have given the penalty, they did, it wasn’t, penalty.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: wolfman999 on May 01, 2026, 08:28:00 AM
I honestly think Anderson only stayed on the pitch because of Ollie's honesty in carrying on playing after a truly dangerous tackle. Maybe, we are too honest. If that was a Chelsea or Citeh player, they would still be rolling over this morning. He was completely out of control with studs raised and a straight leg contact on his opponents ankle. That is a straight red card every day of the week.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Mister E on May 01, 2026, 08:28:59 AM
My worry is that it will end up going to pens, which will terrify me, looking at Wood's penalty, I can't remember the last time a Villa player hit a pen like that.
Gazza Bazza and Benteke used to hammer the penalties. I was always confident with them as takers.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Demitri_C on May 01, 2026, 08:30:37 AM
I honestly think Anderson only stayed on the pitch because of Ollie's honesty in carrying on playing after a truly dangerous tackle. Maybe, we are too honest. If that was a Chelsea or Citeh player, they would still be rolling over this morning. He was completely out of control with studs raised and a straight leg contact on his opponents ankle. That is a straight red card every day of the week.

I agree with this its a fantastic  point. If that happened to a arsenal or manure player they would swarm the ref we should be doing the same in key games like this. Absolute  joke that not even a yellow for that. I honestly  cannot believe  it.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Monty on May 01, 2026, 08:45:16 AM
Sorry if this was posted earlier. Rare you hear Unai being so scathing about any officiating but he was livid at VAR for not reviewing the foul on Ollie

https://xcancel.com/footballontnt/status/2049965814975955165?s=46

Yep, tells its own story. Still goes out of his way to praise the ref, to say it wasn't his fault, to be a gent about it all, but yeah. Insane that the VAR hasn't sent the ref to the monitor over that.

I think it's the outrage over player safety that's sent him over the edge tbh. Like, reds for hairpulling but not for possible ankle-breakers? It's not right.

I agree that concern for a player's welfare makes an incident like that much more serious than just a bad decision.

Don't agree with the downplaying of hair-pulling. That can cause serious neck injuries, and should be a red card.

Fair enough, though to maintain the comparison - I don't think it's as likely to cause serious injury as going in studs-up on someone's ankle!
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Rigadon on May 01, 2026, 08:54:01 AM
I really hope we just go for it next week.  They will definitely play a back 5 with 4 across midfield in a low block and hope to hit the back post for that ugly twat up front to head in.  I'd consider playing Tammy and Watkins from the start.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on May 01, 2026, 09:00:20 AM
On the penalty, it's the inconsistency that absolutely boils my piss.  We seem to be the only team that has had any decisions on the in/out of play thing - the only other case I can remember being remotely similar was the one a few years back where Manure scored at West Ham.  There the ball was clearly a couple of metres beyond the touchline in the air before swinging back in, yet everyone was told that VAR couldn't intervene on that one.

Football doesn't have 'hawkeye' technology on the touchlines yet, and my understanding is that in/out is still currently the decision of the on field officials.  The linesman clearly indicated for a goal kick as soon as it happened, so I don't know why VAR even intervenes at that stage.

If VAR is going to overrule officials on this, then it also needs to start being used for goal kicks and corners.  Or just f*ck the whole thing off and make the game much more enjoyable.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 01, 2026, 09:01:02 AM
I really hope we just go for it next week.  They will definitely play a back 5 with 4 across midfield in a low block and hope to hit the back post for that ugly twat up front to head in.  I'd consider playing Tammy and Watkins from the start.

I wouldn’t normally consider that, but given Buendia was so bad it couldn’t hurt. I’d be more inclined to start with Sancho though.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Des Little on May 01, 2026, 09:23:12 AM
Don't shoot me, but given Buendia's indifferent performance last night, would playing Elliott in the 10 next week be any worse? Just a thought?
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Somniloquism on May 01, 2026, 09:23:33 AM
In the still that you mention, the ball has either already left the player's foot or hasn't got there yet.  Either way, it doesn't capture the precise moment of contact so can't be accurate.  It might be arguing semantics, but you've got officials basically making their own processes up at critical points in massive games.

You do realise the still was used for the illustration purposes and whole frame set is reviewed until they find one as close to contact as 1/100th* of a second allows. But I was also making my own judgement based on the slo-mo shown by TNT where the leg is about to make contact and half the ball is pitchside of the goal post and when contact is made a small sliver is showing the other side of the post and it goes almost straight up. So yes, it was wasn't over the line.

On rewatching it again, Digne was claiming the ball had crossed the line and it was "our ball". No Lucas, it wasn't, keep you hands down next time.

Where in the rules does it say that VAR is responsible for ensuring the correct decision is arrived at re: the awarding of goal kicks?

They make the decision because of potential penalty which is in their remit and was the action straight after. If it had hit anywhere else on Digne then there wouldn't have been anything to check, if it had not hit him, but the pullback had been scored then VAR would have been involved again, as is their remit whilst the whistle hasn't been blown.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: LeeB on May 01, 2026, 09:23:52 AM
Is it a different ref next week or is it bloody Robino Hoodo again?
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Des Little on May 01, 2026, 09:26:23 AM
Is it a different ref next week or is it bloody Robino Hoodo again?

Brilliant
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: aj2k77 on May 01, 2026, 09:30:38 AM
Possible penalty takers for us? Luiz, Abraham, Tielemans, Rogers, McGinn, Cash?
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on May 01, 2026, 09:30:44 AM
I honestly think Anderson only stayed on the pitch because of Ollie's honesty in carrying on playing after a truly dangerous tackle. Maybe, we are too honest. If that was a Chelsea or Citeh player, they would still be rolling over this morning. He was completely out of control with studs raised and a straight leg contact on his opponents ankle. That is a straight red card every day of the week.

If it was cucarella getting fouled he would be rolling until he fell into the river Trent .

Get a goal next week in the first 25 mins and its ours .
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Rigadon on May 01, 2026, 09:36:08 AM
Possible penalty takers for us? Luiz, Abraham, Tielemans, Rogers, McGinn, Cash?

I would be surprised to score more than 2 from that list.  Genuinely, even with Martinez in goal, there is zero chance we are winning a penalty shoot out.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Chris Smith on May 01, 2026, 09:36:59 AM
Well, we have another chance to redeem ourselves  and prove we aren’t bottling another big moment again, but we had nothing up front tonight.

Really don't understand why we bothered buying Abraham. Surely he can't be that bad? Less than zero can only be.

You’d be going to the manager in the summer and asking for a transfer.

I've been thinking that for the last few months, Leon.

Who are you going to sign for, Rudy.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Somniloquism on May 01, 2026, 09:38:30 AM
On the penalty, it's the inconsistency that absolutely boils my piss.  We seem to be the only team that has had any decisions on the in/out of play thing - the only other case I can remember being remotely similar was the one a few years back where Manure scored at West Ham.  There the ball was clearly a couple of metres beyond the touchline in the air before swinging back in, yet everyone was told that VAR couldn't intervene on that one.

Football doesn't have 'hawkeye' technology on the touchlines yet, and my understanding is that in/out is still currently the decision of the on field officials.  The linesman clearly indicated for a goal kick as soon as it happened, so I don't know why VAR even intervenes at that stage.

If VAR is going to overrule officials on this, then it also needs to start being used for goal kicks and corners.  Or just f*ck the whole thing off and make the game much more enjoyable.

VAR intervenes because of a potential penalty due to Digne deciding to call for "our ball" with his hand over his head whilst it is a still in play, and I mean 2 ft in play when he starts to call for it. He doesn't do that and VAR wouldn't be having to judge if it was out and we get the goal-kick (assuming they didn't score from the pullback before the ref blows his whistle.)

As for the West Ham example, the ball was 30 feet in the air and curling, there was no way VAR could judge if it went out, the same with our Brentford one which was a guess and shouldn't have been changed with the angles they didn't have. But in this case with the camera level with the line it is a simple and valid call to say it didn't go out so penalty.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Des Little on May 01, 2026, 09:39:19 AM
Possible penalty takers for us? Luiz, Abraham, Tielemans, Rogers, McGinn, Cash?

I would be surprised to score more than 2 from that list.  Genuinely, even with Martinez in goal, there is zero chance we are winning a penalty shoot out.

Agreed.  If it goes to pens I'll be cancelling my Istanbul flight before the first one is taken.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Concrete Tom on May 01, 2026, 09:43:11 AM
The reality is that it was a fairly even game with few clear chances. If it was 0-0, most fans would be satisfied with the result and a professional away performance.

Other than the two close range keeper saves, neither side really troubled the other and but for a preposterous penalty we would be going into the second leg level.

I actually thought that for a European official, the referee uncharacteristically let the game flow and generally had a good game. Unfortunately, this played into Forest's hands as an all action Premier League side, whereas we have a more European style of play dependent upon control.

We moan about the mentality of a team which fails when it matters; FA Cup Semi, Conference Semi, Utd last season but I feel aghast at the mentality of our fans. After each teams previous results prior to this match, the negativity from fans was atrocious and must surely be transmitted to players. We need to up our game and actually support the team for the second leg if we are to turn things around.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Somniloquism on May 01, 2026, 09:43:16 AM
Is it a different ref next week or is it bloody Robino Hoodo again?

Very rare the same refs get the same teams the following week. It will be a limited selection though due to the supposed top ones being saved for Semi and Finals. Plus point is it is two English teams who are involved so all the rest of Europe is available. So I expect the next officialting team will be Greek...

Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on May 01, 2026, 09:46:07 AM
Thought it was a pretty even game. Absolutely amazing that Anderson didnt get at least a booking, for the ankle breaker and then cynical pullback.

Did feel like the ref was a homer.

Penalty was daft and we'd looked really comfortable in the 2nd half.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: LeeB on May 01, 2026, 09:47:47 AM
Somone needs to put that wanker Anderson in the stands next week.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on May 01, 2026, 09:47:55 AM
Possible penalty takers for us? Luiz, Abraham, Tielemans, Rogers, McGinn, Cash?

will Tammy even be on pitch ,  with 2 mins to pens.   Not sure why he isnt getting more mins.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Richard on May 01, 2026, 09:48:52 AM
Is it a different ref next week or is it bloody Robino Hoodo again?

Very rare the same refs get the same teams the following week. It will be a limited selection though due to the supposed top ones being saved for Semi and Finals. Plus point is it is two English teams who are involved so all the rest of Europe is available. So I expect the next officialting team will be Greek...



It is a semi final
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: caster troy on May 01, 2026, 09:54:03 AM
It isn't a terrible result but it was a concerning performance in context.

Two games without a goal and again minimal chances created.
Being 1-0, Forest will park the bus at VP and we always struggle against that.
Onana injured again, surely out for Spurs at least.
Tielemans poor post injury, McGinn suddenly knackered, Buendia useless, Sancho can't be trusted to start, Bogarde struggling, Bailey finished. Not looking good for the run in unless Rogers turns into Messi.

If we don't beat Spurs there will be a lot of pressure on the second leg and confidence will be low.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Rigadon on May 01, 2026, 09:54:20 AM
Somone needs to put that wanker Anderson in the stands next week.

Yes indeed. When we’re 4 up.  Somebody who won’t be a big miss for the final. 
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Somniloquism on May 01, 2026, 09:57:13 AM
Is it a different ref next week or is it bloody Robino Hoodo again?

Very rare the same refs get the same teams the following week. It will be a limited selection though due to the supposed top ones being saved for Semi and Finals. Plus point is it is two English teams who are involved so all the rest of Europe is available. So I expect the next officialting team will be Greek...



It is a semi final

I was being facetious that the "top" ones who don't make mistakes are normally chosen for semi-finals, including VAR officials.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: paul_e on May 01, 2026, 10:13:11 AM
Sorry if this was posted earlier. Rare you hear Unai being so scathing about any officiating but he was livid at VAR for not reviewing the foul on Ollie

https://xcancel.com/footballontnt/status/2049965814975955165?s=46

Yep, tells its own story. Still goes out of his way to praise the ref, to say it wasn't his fault, to be a gent about it all, but yeah. Insane that the VAR hasn't sent the ref to the monitor over that.

I think it's the outrage over player safety that's sent him over the edge tbh. Like, reds for hairpulling but not for possible ankle-breakers? It's not right.

I agree that concern for a player's welfare makes an incident like that much more serious than just a bad decision.

Don't agree with the downplaying of hair-pulling. That can cause serious neck injuries, and should be a red card.

Fair enough, though to maintain the comparison - I don't think it's as likely to cause serious injury as going in studs-up on someone's ankle!

I don't think hairpulling has anytihng to do with being dangerous, it's just a shitty thing to do and should be an automatic red every single time, same as spitting, same as intentionally grabbing someone 'down there'.

I played rugby for 22 seasons in all that time I got 1 red card for laying 4-5 punches into a guy who pulled our fly-half back by his hair, broke 2 fingers on the c**t as well. Best thing was his team let me land a couple before stepping in to break it up and they were as angry with him as we were. He got sent off as well, and so did their captain who punched me. Only time I've punched someone since I was about 14 and had no regrets at all, the team even paid my fine.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Baldy on May 01, 2026, 10:14:05 AM
Looked at Braga 2 Freiburg 1 result last night and thought Freiburg will get through. They are only one goal behind.

Then it occured to me .............

COYVB 
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Smithy on May 01, 2026, 10:16:44 AM
I honestly think Anderson only stayed on the pitch because of Ollie's honesty in carrying on playing after a truly dangerous tackle. Maybe, we are too honest. If that was a Chelsea or Citeh player, they would still be rolling over this morning. He was completely out of control with studs raised and a straight leg contact on his opponents ankle. That is a straight red card every day of the week.

I completely agree with this.  If Ollie stays down, they send on medical, a stretcher and so on, and the play is therefore 'stopped' while VAR conducts the review, I think there is a much higher chance of VAR intervening.  The fact he got up and tried to run it off helped VAR decide it wasn't that bad.

The reality is, Anderson is a very lucky boy (and I'm sure he knows it), which is disappointing for us, because he and MGW were the best players on the pitch, I thought.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: AV82EC on May 01, 2026, 10:24:09 AM
Had a nice day in Nottingham yesterday, great city for a few drinks and food. Found the Forest fans generally fair and knowledgable with a few over excited post match.

The match: we played ok and looked very in control until Onana went off, I couldn’t see them scoring and defence/midfield were fine. All our issues are inthe final third though. Rogers and Buendia must be the least press resistant attackers in England. Rogers was no better than Ok last night and seems to be lacking in confidence whereas Buendia threw in one of his all too regular appalling performances. This of course means Watkins gets no service and he rarely appeared out of Milenkovics pocket and when he did the big lad dispossessed him regularly. Our other problem is McGinn. The last three games he’s been a shadow of his former self with little drive or urgency. Is he carrying a knock?

Another key thing last night was Igor Jesus do the best man marking job on Pau Torres. He totally
Nullified Pau’s passing lines.

All in all walking away from the ground I was left frustrated more than annoyed or angry knowing we can play so much better then this. Unai and the players need to find some solutions. This is all very reminiscent of the start of the season. We need a spark.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: brontebilly on May 01, 2026, 10:28:02 AM
I really hope we just go for it next week.  They will definitely play a back 5 with 4 across midfield in a low block and hope to hit the back post for that ugly twat up front to head in.  I'd consider playing Tammy and Watkins from the start.

Leaving us even lighter in midfield, without Onana too.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Behind Bluenose Lines on May 01, 2026, 10:29:28 AM
I've slept on it.

It's half-time, and we've had our crap half.

We score early and it's game on!

Let's relegate Paulinha & his mates on Sunday now!
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on May 01, 2026, 10:31:55 AM
Not read everything from this morning but a few have mentioned our game plan, I’d agree it was and did play out as we thought or hoped. You can’t legislate for a player, particularly with the experience of Digne who will play for one of the favourites at the World Cup, making an error like that.

Pre game a lot we worried about Woods physicality, he never really had a sniff.
Gibbs White was on red hot form, he was kept relatively quiet. We didn’t show much attacking intent but they were at home and didn’t show a great deal either.

Game was decided by a moment of extremely poor judgement. All still to play for UTV.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: martin o`who?? on May 01, 2026, 10:39:19 AM
Forgive my ignorance but Is there some fucking ridiculous penalty competition I don't know about??.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 01, 2026, 10:44:28 AM
Sorry if this was posted earlier. Rare you hear Unai being so scathing about any officiating but he was livid at VAR for not reviewing the foul on Ollie

https://xcancel.com/footballontnt/status/2049965814975955165?s=46

Yep, tells its own story. Still goes out of his way to praise the ref, to say it wasn't his fault, to be a gent about it all, but yeah. Insane that the VAR hasn't sent the ref to the monitor over that.

I think it's the outrage over player safety that's sent him over the edge tbh. Like, reds for hairpulling but not for possible ankle-breakers? It's not right.

I agree that concern for a player's welfare makes an incident like that much more serious than just a bad decision.

Don't agree with the downplaying of hair-pulling. That can cause serious neck injuries, and should be a red card.

Fair enough, though to maintain the comparison - I don't think it's as likely to cause serious injury as going in studs-up on someone's ankle!

I don't think hairpulling has anytihng to do with being dangerous, it's just a shitty thing to do and should be an automatic red every single time, same as spitting, same as intentionally grabbing someone 'down there'.

I played rugby for 22 seasons in all that time I got 1 red card for laying 4-5 punches into a guy who pulled our fly-half back by his hair, broke 2 fingers on the c**t as well. Best thing was his team let me land a couple before stepping in to break it up and they were as angry with him as we were. He got sent off as well, and so did their captain who punched me. Only time I've punched someone since I was about 14 and had no regrets at all, the team even paid my fine.
like.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 01, 2026, 10:47:54 AM
Forgive my ignorance but Is there some fucking ridiculous penalty competition I don't know about??.
Next Thursday 22.30 .
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on May 01, 2026, 10:51:11 AM
Forgive my ignorance but Is there some fucking ridiculous penalty competition I don't know about??.
Next Thursday 22.30 .

😂
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: eye digress on May 01, 2026, 10:54:38 AM
Forgive my ignorance but Is there some fucking ridiculous penalty competition I don't know about??.
Next Thursday 22.30 .
Got an address for that?
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: tomd2103 on May 01, 2026, 11:02:33 AM
On the penalty, it's the inconsistency that absolutely boils my piss.  We seem to be the only team that has had any decisions on the in/out of play thing - the only other case I can remember being remotely similar was the one a few years back where Manure scored at West Ham.  There the ball was clearly a couple of metres beyond the touchline in the air before swinging back in, yet everyone was told that VAR couldn't intervene on that one.

Football doesn't have 'hawkeye' technology on the touchlines yet, and my understanding is that in/out is still currently the decision of the on field officials.  The linesman clearly indicated for a goal kick as soon as it happened, so I don't know why VAR even intervenes at that stage.

If VAR is going to overrule officials on this, then it also needs to start being used for goal kicks and corners.  Or just f*ck the whole thing off and make the game much more enjoyable.

VAR intervenes because of a potential penalty due to Digne deciding to call for "our ball" with his hand over his head whilst it is a still in play, and I mean 2 ft in play when he starts to call for it. He doesn't do that and VAR wouldn't be having to judge if it was out and we get the goal-kick (assuming they didn't score from the pullback before the ref blows his whistle.)

As for the West Ham example, the ball was 30 feet in the air and curling, there was no way VAR could judge if it went out, the same with our Brentford one which was a guess and shouldn't have been changed with the angles they didn't have. But in this case with the camera level with the line it is a simple and valid call to say it didn't go out so penalty.

Don't want to labour the point, but surely the process you mention in the first paragraph is not right?  The initial decision was clearly given as a goal kick and therefore how can VAR overturn that?  Think of the Rogers decision at Old Trafford last season - replays clearly showed it wasn't a foul, but we were told the decision couldn't be overturned once it had been made.  Struggling to see the difference.

Two semi-finals against two Marinakis teams and some highly questionable officiating in both.  Just saying.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Bully2345 on May 01, 2026, 11:03:37 AM
It's very easy to be negative about the performance and our chances but I would have taken a draw before the game. I also feared the worst at 0-1 with 20 to go and was happy to come away 0-1.

I genuinely think Forest have made an error. They settled for 1-0 and we were there for the taking. Villa are a different team at home
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Bully2345 on May 01, 2026, 11:05:11 AM
On the penalty, it's the inconsistency that absolutely boils my piss.  We seem to be the only team that has had any decisions on the in/out of play thing - the only other case I can remember being remotely similar was the one a few years back where Manure scored at West Ham.  There the ball was clearly a couple of metres beyond the touchline in the air before swinging back in, yet everyone was told that VAR couldn't intervene on that one.

Football doesn't have 'hawkeye' technology on the touchlines yet, and my understanding is that in/out is still currently the decision of the on field officials.  The linesman clearly indicated for a goal kick as soon as it happened, so I don't know why VAR even intervenes at that stage.

If VAR is going to overrule officials on this, then it also needs to start being used for goal kicks and corners.  Or just f*ck the whole thing off and make the game much more enjoyable.

VAR intervenes because of a potential penalty due to Digne deciding to call for "our ball" with his hand over his head whilst it is a still in play, and I mean 2 ft in play when he starts to call for it. He doesn't do that and VAR wouldn't be having to judge if it was out and we get the goal-kick (assuming they didn't score from the pullback before the ref blows his whistle.)

As for the West Ham example, the ball was 30 feet in the air and curling, there was no way VAR could judge if it went out, the same with our Brentford one which was a guess and shouldn't have been changed with the angles they didn't have. But in this case with the camera level with the line it is a simple and valid call to say it didn't go out so penalty.

Don't want to labour the point, but surely the process you mention in the first paragraph is not right?  The initial decision was clearly given as a goal kick and therefore how can VAR overturn that?  Think of the Rogers decision at Old Trafford last season - replays clearly showed it wasn't a foul, but we were told the decision couldn't be overturned once it had been made.  Struggling to see the difference.

Two semi-finals against two Marinakis teams and some highly questionable officiating in both.  Just saying.

The Rogers goal couldn't be given because the whistle had blown and the ball was officially dead before it rolled over the line.

The referee hadn't blown a whistle last night. He'd need very quick reactions to have done so
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: SaddVillan on May 01, 2026, 11:10:57 AM
4 semi-finals under Emery.
4 defeats.

Mmmm

Still angry about last night's result. The performance wasn't that bad.

We looked good with Onana on the pitch, but VAR (and the lack of it cost us).

Anderson should have at least had a yellow for his foul on Ollie. With a yellow he might either have been hooked, or becone less effective to avoid the chance of getting a wnd yellow.

Fair enough with the pen, but Watkins should have tucked that chance away in the 2nd half.

My fear for next week is that Forest will just park the bus and try and beat us on the break.

Abraham is good in the air - play him alongside Watkins and get plenty of crosses into their 6yd area?
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Demitri_C on May 01, 2026, 11:16:19 AM
Is it a different ref next week or is it bloody Robino Hoodo again?

Very rare the same refs get the same teams the following week. It will be a limited selection though due to the supposed top ones being saved for Semi and Finals. Plus point is it is two English teams who are involved so all the rest of Europe is available. So I expect the next officialting team will be Greek...



It is a semi final

I was being facetious that the "top" ones who don't make mistakes are normally chosen for semi-finals, including VAR officials.

Ah ok so you rate greek referees then
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: LeeS on May 01, 2026, 11:25:34 AM
There is no injustice with the penalty. That one is all on Digne.

There is also no comparison with the United goal that wasn’t.

I hate VAR and I’d ditch it tomorrow, but this is what it is there for and they made the right call. As for the Anderson tackle, that’s a different story.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on May 01, 2026, 11:35:36 AM
Forest have a better away record than home, so im not sure they will park the bus, I think they might try get in a killer goal. We win next Thursday though.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Villan82 on May 01, 2026, 11:55:06 AM

Abraham is good in the air - play him alongside Watkins and get plenty of crosses into their 6yd area?

There is literally zero chance of that. Emery isn't going to turn into MON overnight.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Ads on May 01, 2026, 11:58:30 AM
Tight game that turned on two VAR decisions. 1 given, 1 not. Think we were comfortable throughout, so disappointing to have lost, but nothing to be too worried by.

Villa Park under the lights, we'll win.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Des Little on May 01, 2026, 12:14:36 PM
Every single Villa fan heading to the game next Thursday needs to bring their PSG and Bayern battle fever with them, then we'll see what can be achieved.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: brontebilly on May 01, 2026, 12:28:32 PM
There is no injustice with the penalty. That one is all on Digne.

There is also no comparison with the United goal that wasn’t.

I hate VAR and I’d ditch it tomorrow, but this is what it is there for and they made the right call. As for the Anderson tackle, that’s a different story.

Tight game swung on 2 x VAR decisions? One correct and one incorrect.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: john2710 on May 01, 2026, 12:36:10 PM
We're going to need to beat Forest & the officials next week. They are not going to give us anything.

If there's a corrupt owner in football, I know who I'd put my money on.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Beard82 on May 01, 2026, 12:58:38 PM
I looked at the stills of pen - none of them show that the ball at the point of contact - and in the ones I have seen - which must be either slightly before or after contact it is very close.

It was "probably" in (just like the bailey one was probably out) - but I dont see how VAR can make those decisions to override the on pitch call.  It is one subjective call against another and no way of proving which is right as the technology isnt in place.

Whereas Anderson went over the ball studs up foot of the ground - objectively thats a red card - that is easily missed by the referee because of the speed it happened.

I dont understand how one falls into VAR remit, but the other didnt reach the threshold to overturn.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Ozzjim on May 01, 2026, 01:18:12 PM
Stupid pen. Played ok. The gulf from Onana and Kamara to Bogarde has to be addressed in the summer.

Anderson was a red card all day, terrible decision, yet again, against Villa.

I do wonder if their players and fans celebrations are going to be all the motivation needed. Anderson giving the big un to nutmeghing Rogers on Instagram, the Oles at 1-0 up, their fans all think they've done it. Huge material for Emery to get them really fired up.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 01, 2026, 01:20:28 PM
Stupid pen. Played ok. The gulf from Onana and Kamara to Bogarde has to be addressed in the summer.

Anderson was a red card all day, terrible decision, yet again, against Villa.

I do wonder if their players and fans celebrations are going to be all the motivation needed. Anderson giving the big un to nutmeghing Rogers on Instagram, the Oles at 1-0 up, their fans all think they've done it. Huge material for Emery to get them really fired up.

You would hope so - it is odd to do the fireworks at what is essentially half time.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Nev on May 01, 2026, 01:22:57 PM
Turn it the other way, I would've left Villa Park last night glad of the advantage but very nervous about the second leg.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: usav on May 01, 2026, 01:31:59 PM
I do wonder if their players and fans celebrations are going to be all the motivation needed. Anderson giving the big un to nutmeghing Rogers on Instagram, the Oles at 1-0 up, their fans all think they've done it. Huge material for Emery to get them really fired up.

I was thinking the same thing.  We've all said that Emery has never been as angry as he was last night talking about VAR, I would like to think he channels that into the pre-match build-up next week.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: LeeB on May 01, 2026, 01:38:32 PM
I do wonder if their players and fans celebrations are going to be all the motivation needed. Anderson giving the big un to nutmeghing Rogers on Instagram, the Oles at 1-0 up, their fans all think they've done it. Huge material for Emery to get them really fired up.

I was thinking the same thing.  We've all said that Emery has never been as angry as he was last night talking about VAR, I would like to think he channels that into the pre-match build-up next week.

Yeah, it's going to feel very different for them at a baying Villa Park when they concede in the first ten minutes.

Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: john e on May 01, 2026, 01:51:18 PM
I thought would I rather be playing the second leg at Villa Park 1 nill down
Or playing the second leg at Forest one up

I think on balance I’d take the way it is now
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: tomd2103 on May 01, 2026, 02:12:08 PM
On the penalty, it's the inconsistency that absolutely boils my piss.  We seem to be the only team that has had any decisions on the in/out of play thing - the only other case I can remember being remotely similar was the one a few years back where Manure scored at West Ham.  There the ball was clearly a couple of metres beyond the touchline in the air before swinging back in, yet everyone was told that VAR couldn't intervene on that one.

Football doesn't have 'hawkeye' technology on the touchlines yet, and my understanding is that in/out is still currently the decision of the on field officials.  The linesman clearly indicated for a goal kick as soon as it happened, so I don't know why VAR even intervenes at that stage.

If VAR is going to overrule officials on this, then it also needs to start being used for goal kicks and corners.  Or just f*ck the whole thing off and make the game much more enjoyable.

VAR intervenes because of a potential penalty due to Digne deciding to call for "our ball" with his hand over his head whilst it is a still in play, and I mean 2 ft in play when he starts to call for it. He doesn't do that and VAR wouldn't be having to judge if it was out and we get the goal-kick (assuming they didn't score from the pullback before the ref blows his whistle.)

As for the West Ham example, the ball was 30 feet in the air and curling, there was no way VAR could judge if it went out, the same with our Brentford one which was a guess and shouldn't have been changed with the angles they didn't have. But in this case with the camera level with the line it is a simple and valid call to say it didn't go out so penalty.

Don't want to labour the point, but surely the process you mention in the first paragraph is not right?  The initial decision was clearly given as a goal kick and therefore how can VAR overturn that?  Think of the Rogers decision at Old Trafford last season - replays clearly showed it wasn't a foul, but we were told the decision couldn't be overturned once it had been made.  Struggling to see the difference.

Two semi-finals against two Marinakis teams and some highly questionable officiating in both.  Just saying.

The Rogers goal couldn't be given because the whistle had blown and the ball was officially dead before it rolled over the line.

The referee hadn't blown a whistle last night. He'd need very quick reactions to have done so

Hed clearly given a goal kick last night though, so the ball was dead at that point?
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Somniloquism on May 01, 2026, 02:14:46 PM
Don't want to labour the point, but surely the process you mention in the first paragraph is not right?  The initial decision was clearly given as a goal kick and therefore how can VAR overturn that?  Think of the Rogers decision at Old Trafford last season - replays clearly showed it wasn't a foul, but we were told the decision couldn't be overturned once it had been made.  Struggling to see the difference.

Two semi-finals against two Marinakis teams and some highly questionable officiating in both.  Just saying.

The difference is when the ref blew his whistle. Pretty simple concept really. The ball might have appeared to go out of play but the ref can only make the onfield decision it went out AFTER the handball happened. If he had blown and made his GK decision and THEN Digne had caught it, bounced it around the area and then volleyball served it into the goal, there would be nothing VAR could have done because it all happened AFTER the whistle.

VAR couldn't get involved with Rogers goal because the ref stopped play before we put the ball into the net. Now if the GK had fouled Rogers after Rogers had gone around him and before the ref had blown the whistle, then VAR could have looked at that as it was within their remit. If the ref had waited until the goal was scored, then VAR could have looked at that. But play was called dead before the goal and so there was no goal to rule on, hence nothing VAR could check. (And pre-empting people now responding with "Manure had a penalty after the final whistle", that was because the judgement was on play that had happened before the final whilstle was blown. In that case if the penalised foul had occured just after the whistle was blown, then nothing would have been judged on).

VAR's awful decision last night was not calling the ref to review the foul on Watkins, I don't blame the ref for it as most thought it was fine in real time, including our bench and Emery as per their reactions at the time, but that is what VAR is for. The handball was not an awful officating decision but an awful decision by Digne to call for "our ball" with his arm straight up and over his head whilst the ball was still a foot inside the line.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Bully2345 on May 01, 2026, 02:16:07 PM


Hed clearly given a goal kick last night though, so the ball was dead at that point?

There was about 0.3 seconds between the ball going "out" and the ball hitting Digne's hand. He'd have to have physically blown the whistle in that 0.3 seconds for the ball to be dead.

And I think Somniloquism has explained it far better than I could
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Smithy on May 01, 2026, 02:39:05 PM
On the penalty, it's the inconsistency that absolutely boils my piss.  We seem to be the only team that has had any decisions on the in/out of play thing - the only other case I can remember being remotely similar was the one a few years back where Manure scored at West Ham.  There the ball was clearly a couple of metres beyond the touchline in the air before swinging back in, yet everyone was told that VAR couldn't intervene on that one.

Football doesn't have 'hawkeye' technology on the touchlines yet, and my understanding is that in/out is still currently the decision of the on field officials.  The linesman clearly indicated for a goal kick as soon as it happened, so I don't know why VAR even intervenes at that stage.

If VAR is going to overrule officials on this, then it also needs to start being used for goal kicks and corners.  Or just f*ck the whole thing off and make the game much more enjoyable.

VAR intervenes because of a potential penalty due to Digne deciding to call for "our ball" with his hand over his head whilst it is a still in play, and I mean 2 ft in play when he starts to call for it. He doesn't do that and VAR wouldn't be having to judge if it was out and we get the goal-kick (assuming they didn't score from the pullback before the ref blows his whistle.)

As for the West Ham example, the ball was 30 feet in the air and curling, there was no way VAR could judge if it went out, the same with our Brentford one which was a guess and shouldn't have been changed with the angles they didn't have. But in this case with the camera level with the line it is a simple and valid call to say it didn't go out so penalty.

Don't want to labour the point, but surely the process you mention in the first paragraph is not right?  The initial decision was clearly given as a goal kick and therefore how can VAR overturn that?  Think of the Rogers decision at Old Trafford last season - replays clearly showed it wasn't a foul, but we were told the decision couldn't be overturned once it had been made.  Struggling to see the difference.

Two semi-finals against two Marinakis teams and some highly questionable officiating in both.  Just saying.

The Rogers goal couldn't be given because the whistle had blown and the ball was officially dead before it rolled over the line.

The referee hadn't blown a whistle last night. He'd need very quick reactions to have done so

Hed clearly given a goal kick last night though, so the ball was dead at that point?

The ball isn't dead until the ref blows his whistle, and after Hutchinson tried to cross it, he looked to his linesman to see what the decision was, THEN he gave the goal kick. That all took a few seconds. So you play to the whistle. Always. It's almost the first thing you learn playing as a kid (beyond put the ball in the net). 

If the ref had blown because the linesman signalled out, but Hutchinson actually kept the ball in, facing away from goal, and then turned and Digne hacked him down in the most obvious penalty ever, it WOULDN'T be a pen because the ball would be dead ONCE the whistle was blown.

Don't think of 'dead' as whether it's crossed the line or not, think of it as only being dead because the ref blows his whistle.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Somniloquism on May 01, 2026, 02:39:19 PM
I looked at the stills of pen - none of them show that the ball at the point of contact - and in the ones I have seen - which must be either slightly before or after contact it is very close.


If you don't trust the stills, just watch the slo-mo on the TNT replay, then tell me between which frames you think the ball moved 4 inches over the line at, then moved 4 inches back the other way so it was still level with the line.

On a PC, @2:53 in, pause the video then press Full Stop key to frame forward and Comma key to frame back.



Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on May 01, 2026, 02:49:40 PM
It looks like we're all taking it well then.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on May 01, 2026, 03:11:05 PM
Anger is an energy.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on May 01, 2026, 03:21:24 PM
Let the road rise with you.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: tomd2103 on May 01, 2026, 03:34:24 PM
Don't want to labour the point, but surely the process you mention in the first paragraph is not right?  The initial decision was clearly given as a goal kick and therefore how can VAR overturn that?  Think of the Rogers decision at Old Trafford last season - replays clearly showed it wasn't a foul, but we were told the decision couldn't be overturned once it had been made.  Struggling to see the difference.

Two semi-finals against two Marinakis teams and some highly questionable officiating in both.  Just saying.

The difference is when the ref blew his whistle. Pretty simple concept really. The ball might have appeared to go out of play but the ref can only make the onfield decision it went out AFTER the handball happened. If he had blown and made his GK decision and THEN Digne had caught it, bounced it around the area and then volleyball served it into the goal, there would be nothing VAR could have done because it all happened AFTER the whistle.

VAR couldn't get involved with Rogers goal because the ref stopped play before we put the ball into the net. Now if the GK had fouled Rogers after Rogers had gone around him and before the ref had blown the whistle, then VAR could have looked at that as it was within their remit. If the ref had waited until the goal was scored, then VAR could have looked at that. But play was called dead before the goal and so there was no goal to rule on, hence nothing VAR could check. (And pre-empting people now responding with "Manure had a penalty after the final whistle", that was because the judgement was on play that had happened before the final whilstle was blown. In that case if the penalised foul had occured just after the whistle was blown, then nothing would have been judged on).

VAR's awful decision last night was not calling the ref to review the foul on Watkins, I don't blame the ref for it as most thought it was fine in real time, including our bench and Emery as per their reactions at the time, but that is what VAR is for. The handball was not an awful officating decision but an awful decision by Digne to call for "our ball" with his arm straight up and over his head whilst the ball was still a foot inside the line.

On reflection, accept the point about the Rogers goal not being the same as the ref blew his whistle.  It's just the whole process rather than actually being aggrieved at the decision at this point.  So anything within a phase of play (or even before that, as shown with our disallowed goal against Brentford) can be checked by VAR even if they cannot make a definitive decision?  Just raises the question then though of why just check when there is an incident and not every time?
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: eamonn on May 01, 2026, 03:46:47 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/Y779Mh8Q/Screenshot-20260501-154439-Chrome.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Y779Mh8Q)
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Beard82 on May 01, 2026, 03:53:50 PM
I still maintain that whether that was out or not is subjective - and your overriding one subjective decision with another.  They cant tell 100% that is wasnt out, so shouldnt override an on pitch offical.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Somniloquism on May 01, 2026, 03:56:41 PM
On reflection, accept the point about the Rogers goal not being the same as the ref blew his whistle.  It's just the whole process rather than actually being aggrieved at the decision at this point.  So anything within a phase of play (or even before that, as shown with our disallowed goal against Brentford) can be checked by VAR even if they cannot make a definitive decision?  Just raises the question then though of why just check when there is an incident and not every time?

Brentford was bad as the camera angles could not show it was out definitely and was a bad call (even if later fan footage showed it to be correct), but pretty much yes that in theory anything between whistle blows can be checked IF it leads up to a VAR remit decision (goal, penalty, sending off). There is mention of a "change of possesion" which I suspect means if the defending team foul the attacker (under non VAR review conditions) but play continues, then they win the ball legitimately and go up the other end and have a VAR remit decision, VAR doesn't take the non-called foul into decision. I suspect the cut-off is arbituary though.

Of course it also depends on "Clear and Obvious error" and what the ref states to VAR at the time. If the ref stated "My lino is calling the ball out, however I also will not be calling a penalty as although it struck his hand, it was natually up to call for ownership of possesion and hence not deliberate block", then VAR probably would not have gotten involved.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on May 01, 2026, 03:57:37 PM
Gabby saying it’s because the VAR was Portuguese and therefore in cahoots with Pereira.  Haha
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on May 01, 2026, 04:00:43 PM
Lots of negativity on social media.  I think it’s because a lot of people have seen us bottle these occasions so many times there’s an expectation we’re already out.  And you can understand why.  One or two posts about the extent of forest fans and players celebrations last night though.  That should act as extra motivation.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Somniloquism on May 01, 2026, 04:02:54 PM
Gabby saying it’s because the VAR was Portuguese and therefore in cahoots with Pereira.  Haha

Gabby must post on here then as someone mentioned that in Pre-match.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on May 01, 2026, 04:06:19 PM
Lots of negativity on social media.  I think it’s because a lot of people have seen us bottle these occasions so many times there’s an expectation we’re already out.  And you can understand why.  One or two posts about the extent of forest fans and players celebrations last night though.  That should act as extra motivation.
I think its more that negativity is the essence of social media.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: tomd2103 on May 01, 2026, 04:21:28 PM
On reflection, accept the point about the Rogers goal not being the same as the ref blew his whistle.  It's just the whole process rather than actually being aggrieved at the decision at this point.  So anything within a phase of play (or even before that, as shown with our disallowed goal against Brentford) can be checked by VAR even if they cannot make a definitive decision?  Just raises the question then though of why just check when there is an incident and not every time?

Brentford was bad as the camera angles could not show it was out definitely and was a bad call (even if later fan footage showed it to be correct), but pretty much yes that in theory anything between whistle blows can be checked IF it leads up to a VAR remit decision (goal, penalty, sending off). There is mention of a "change of possesion" which I suspect means if the defending team foul the attacker (under non VAR review conditions) but play continues, then they win the ball legitimately and go up the other end and have a VAR remit decision, VAR doesn't take the non-called foul into decision. I suspect the cut-off is arbituary though.

Of course it also depends on "Clear and Obvious error" and what the ref states to VAR at the time. If the ref stated "My lino is calling the ball out, however I also will not be calling a penalty as although it struck his hand, it was natually up to call for ownership of possesion and hence not deliberate block", then VAR probably would not have gotten involved.

The second paragraph is what happened though.  They gave a goal kick and turned down the penalty appeal, only for the VAR official to intervene and overrule on both. 

Has it actually ever been stated that VAR can check every detail leading up to an incident and as we saw against Brentford, how far do they go back?  Just seems like that leaves a massive grey area where someone sitting in a room somewhere is making decisions without the means to do so definitively. 
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: eamonn on May 01, 2026, 04:38:35 PM
Gabby saying it’s because the VAR was Portuguese and therefore in cahoots with Pereira.  Haha

Gabby must post on here then as someone mentioned that in Pre-match.

It was me. I'm not Gabby though, the only thing we have in common is that we were once slim but now have baby bellies.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: paul_e on May 01, 2026, 04:47:17 PM
For me it probably was a penalty but the question is more about what VAR should be doing.

Is 4-5minutes checking if that had crossed the line really acceptable in the same match where someone going over the ball and studs up into a player's ankle got less than 30 seconds of review?

What do we want to use the tech for because right now it's leaning heavily towards pedantic re-refereeing of marginal calls whilst ignoring serious foul play.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on May 01, 2026, 04:51:45 PM
Has anybody been keeping records of the longest VAR decisions taken as they seem to be getting longer by the week?
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Beard82 on May 01, 2026, 04:54:38 PM
For me it probably was a penalty but the question is more about what VAR should be doing.

Is 4-5minutes checking if that had crossed the line really acceptable in the same match where someone going over the ball and studs up into a player's ankle got less than 30 seconds of review?

What do we want to use the tech for because right now it's leaning heavily towards pedantic re-refereeing of marginal calls whilst ignoring serious foul play.
Yes exactly
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: LeeB on May 01, 2026, 04:54:57 PM
For me it probably was a penalty but the question is more about what VAR should be doing.

Is 4-5minutes checking if that had crossed the line really acceptable in the same match where someone going over the ball and studs up into a player's ankle got less than 30 seconds of review?

What do we want to use the tech for because right now it's leaning heavily towards pedantic re-refereeing of marginal calls whilst ignoring serious foul play.

Yep.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: that_lovin_feelin on May 01, 2026, 05:30:00 PM
Forest fan here

Good result for us, but it's only half time and we don't have a very good record at Villa Park, so obviously all to play for. Can't help but feel we needed to score a second and take advantage of being at home.

Very surprised that Anderson got away with the red card challenge - 10 years ago, there'd be nothing wrong with that, but by todays standards it's a red and I'm surprised it wasn't given.

A couple of points to clarify; the fireworks at the end of game always happen after a win at night; its something that started in our promotion season and seems to have continued as a tradition. I'm not a massive fan of it, but the majority seem to like it. There's also been a few videos online of Forest fans seemingly extremely confident that the job is done; those on social media just shout the loudest. I can guarantee, 99% of forest fans are very much aware that the tie is still in the balance.

Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on May 01, 2026, 06:12:34 PM
You sound far too reasonable to be on here. Are you lost?
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: tricky59 on May 01, 2026, 06:55:23 PM
You sound far too reasonable to be on here. Are you lost?

Could be that they've lost that lovin' feelin'.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 01, 2026, 06:59:22 PM
You seem a sensible chap TLF. Good luck for the rest of the season after Thursday, and hopefully we each help the other side out on Sunday/Monday.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on May 01, 2026, 07:05:51 PM
Cheers TLF, good luck in staying up but obviously not on Thursday
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Mellin on May 01, 2026, 07:27:36 PM
Hi TLF. Forest. Good club. Hope you have a shit week.

Return leg I'd go (presuming Onana's out for two months again):

Martinez

Cash
Konsa
Torres
Digne

McGinn
Luiz

Sancho
Tielemans
Rogers

Watkins
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: saint13 on May 01, 2026, 07:38:50 PM
On the penalty, it's the inconsistency that absolutely boils my piss.  We seem to be the only team that has had any decisions on the in/out of play thing - the only other case I can remember being remotely similar was the one a few years back where Manure scored at West Ham.  There the ball was clearly a couple of metres beyond the touchline in the air before swinging back in, yet everyone was told that VAR couldn't intervene on that one.

Football doesn't have 'hawkeye' technology on the touchlines yet, and my understanding is that in/out is still currently the decision of the on field officials.  The linesman clearly indicated for a goal kick as soon as it happened, so I don't know why VAR even intervenes at that stage.

If VAR is going to overrule officials on this, then it also needs to start being used for goal kicks and corners.  Or just f*ck the whole thing off and make the game much more enjoyable.

Let's face it when it comes to VAR, they are making it up as they go along.
It changes from game to game, depending on who is involved and what is at stake.

It is still completely subjective. The only difference is it is done from a studio 100 miles away.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Mellin on May 01, 2026, 07:47:06 PM
That's the problem, and it sits with the governing bodies. You have one ref "who lets the game flow" and one who "likes a booking". Erm, no. There should be a consistent standard which every single referee works toward. The ref's attitude to how football should be played is a major influence on games. It shouldn't be. So create a standard which is applied consistently by every single ref, and if they think they're above it, sack them off and find someone else. Allowing them to deviate is a major cause of all these shit decisions, because they all have their own ideas about what constitutes a penalty/red card etc. They are referees, not fucking Maradonna. Pull them in line.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: BoVillan esq on May 01, 2026, 07:47:27 PM
On the penalty, it's the inconsistency that absolutely boils my piss.  We seem to be the only team that has had any decisions on the in/out of play thing - the only other case I can remember being remotely similar was the one a few years back where Manure scored at West Ham.  There the ball was clearly a couple of metres beyond the touchline in the air before swinging back in, yet everyone was told that VAR couldn't intervene on that one.

Football doesn't have 'hawkeye' technology on the touchlines yet, and my understanding is that in/out is still currently the decision of the on field officials.  The linesman clearly indicated for a goal kick as soon as it happened, so I don't know why VAR even intervenes at that stage.

If VAR is going to overrule officials on this, then it also needs to start being used for goal kicks and corners.  Or just f*ck the whole thing off and make the game much more enjoyable.

Let's face it when it comes to VAR, they are making it up as they go along.
It changes from game to game, depending on who is involved and what is at stake.

It is still completely subjective. The only difference is it is done from a studio 100 miles away.

I thought it was done in the back of a van??. seriously.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: saint13 on May 01, 2026, 07:53:33 PM
Forest fan here

Good result for us, but it's only half time and we don't have a very good record at Villa Park, so obviously all to play for. Can't help but feel we needed to score a second and take advantage of being at home.

Very surprised that Anderson got away with the red card challenge - 10 years ago, there'd be nothing wrong with that, but by todays standards it's a red and I'm surprised it wasn't given.

A couple of points to clarify; the fireworks at the end of game always happen after a win at night; its something that started in our promotion season and seems to have continued as a tradition. I'm not a massive fan of it, but the majority seem to like it. There's also been a few videos online of Forest fans seemingly extremely confident that the job is done; those on social media just shout the loudest. I can guarantee, 99% of forest fans are very much aware that the tie is still in the balance.

Great post. All the best for the rest of the season...within reason of course!!
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: that_lovin_feelin on May 01, 2026, 09:02:29 PM
You seem a sensible chap TLF. Good luck for the rest of the season after Thursday, and hopefully we each help the other side out on Sunday/Monday.

Very much keeping an eye on this game, certainly feel it will be difficult for Spurs to get anything from it. Out of interest, how are you feeling about the second leg? I think you'll start off very strong and really go for it. I give us a chance if we can keep it tight in the first 20 mins, possibly create a bit of nervousness in the crowd. Villa Park hasn't been a good place for us since our PL return, but we're in a good bit of form atm, so it's a difficult one to call.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Somniloquism on May 01, 2026, 09:02:54 PM
For me it probably was a penalty but the question is more about what VAR should be doing.

Is 4-5minutes checking if that had crossed the line really acceptable in the same match where someone going over the ball and studs up into a player's ankle got less than 30 seconds of review?

What do we want to use the tech for because right now it's leaning heavily towards pedantic re-refereeing of marginal calls whilst ignoring serious foul play.

The minutes was for both decisions. A check if it went out, a check on whether it was a deliberate handball. Once both was confirmed then they needed the ref to decided for himself which added more time on.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: RichardBatchelor on May 01, 2026, 09:38:57 PM
Hi TLF. Forest. Good club. Hope you have a shit week.

Return leg I'd go (presuming Onana's out for two months again):

Martinez

Cash
Konsa
Torres
Digne

McGinn
Luiz

Sancho
Tielemans
Rogers

Watkins

Digne? Are you mad, sir?


The rest, yes.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 01, 2026, 10:04:21 PM
You seem a sensible chap TLF. Good luck for the rest of the season after Thursday, and hopefully we each help the other side out on Sunday/Monday.

Very much keeping an eye on this game, certainly feel it will be difficult for Spurs to get anything from it. Out of interest, how are you feeling about the second leg? I think you'll start off very strong and really go for it. I give us a chance if we can keep it tight in the first 20 mins, possibly create a bit of nervousness in the crowd. Villa Park hasn't been a good place for us since our PL return, but we're in a good bit of form atm, so it's a difficult one to call.
The first goal will be crucial. I do not think we will throw the kitchen sink at the game.
It will be about exerting control and expecting a breakthrough before half time or early in the second half.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: paul_e on May 01, 2026, 10:25:27 PM
For me it probably was a penalty but the question is more about what VAR should be doing.

Is 4-5minutes checking if that had crossed the line really acceptable in the same match where someone going over the ball and studs up into a player's ankle got less than 30 seconds of review?

What do we want to use the tech for because right now it's leaning heavily towards pedantic re-refereeing of marginal calls whilst ignoring serious foul play.

The minutes was for both decisions. A check if it went out, a check on whether it was a deliberate handball. Once both was confirmed then they needed the ref to decided for himself which added more time on.

Great, doesn't really change the fact that a decision on a marginal call if a ball was out of play or not was given much more scrutiny that a potential leg-breaking challenge.

Again this is about priorities, was VAR introduced to waste huge amounts of time over-ruling subjective decisions on things like whether the ball is out of play or not or was it to protect players and ensure things the ref didn't see clearly but should be addressed. The latter effectively replaces the old system where games could be reviewed and players referred to a citing officer and was an obvious improvement.

I think the main reason VAR is so hated right now is that it's focused on the former which was never the big problem that needed to be addressed and isn't particularly suited to a re-referee it but from the car park treatment when it could be much better handled by technology. Strip it right back and only use it for offsides/out of play when it's blatant and instead focus on it being a tool for the ref to see things from another angle, get rid of the bullshit of red or nothing and stop treating the penalty area as sacred (so things inside can be reviewed at a much lower threshold). The Eze one from Weds is a good example, despite me agreeing with the final decision (because he was absolutely playing for the foul) I'd much prefer if that wasn't reviewed but instead reviews were consistent because there's no chance that gets checked anywhere else on the pitch.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: astonvilla82 on May 01, 2026, 10:29:29 PM
F me I am still pissed off
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 01, 2026, 10:32:55 PM
You seem a sensible chap TLF. Good luck for the rest of the season after Thursday, and hopefully we each help the other side out on Sunday/Monday.

Very much keeping an eye on this game, certainly feel it will be difficult for Spurs to get anything from it. Out of interest, how are you feeling about the second leg? I think you'll start off very strong and really go for it. I give us a chance if we can keep it tight in the first 20 mins, possibly create a bit of nervousness in the crowd. Villa Park hasn't been a good place for us since our PL return, but we're in a good bit of form atm, so it's a difficult one to call.

Genuinely no idea. We have to start well. Get an early goal and we are favourites but the longer it goes 0-0, or if Forest get a goal, we would be under massive pressure. It's about 50/50, IMO.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Beard82 on May 01, 2026, 10:33:29 PM
I agree with paul_e

In historical terms - were ignoring the hand of god, but spending 5 minutes working out if Geoff Hurst's goal was over the line
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 01, 2026, 10:55:07 PM
I agree with paul_e

In historical terms - were ignoring the hand of god, but spending 5 minutes working out if Geoff Hurst's goal was over the line

It wasn't.

You're welcome.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 01, 2026, 10:59:07 PM
Correct, CD. I was watching it in Ireland, and it definitely brushed off Maradona's hair rather than hitting his hand.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Somniloquism on May 01, 2026, 11:02:20 PM
The handball was a definitive decision though, the sort of thing that VAR can do in 99% of cases, even if it miniscule measurements. The tackle is subjective and as I mentioned in the Tom debate, what the ref tells VAR about decisions is taken into account with any check they make. I think most thought the tackle on Watkins was "ok" in real time as shown by the lack of reactions from our players and bench. However if the ref stated "I saw the challenge and Anderson won the ball but caught Watkins on the follow through, but nothing to penalise", they might have took that as not enough of a clear and obvious error to send him to the monitor.  I definitely don't agree with that and I'm as adamant that it was a red as any on here, and there is no way any ref who saw that again doesn't give it or realise they made a clear error in the first case. It is why audio of VAR for incidents like that should be released out as a matter of transparency.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Beard82 on May 01, 2026, 11:07:30 PM
I dont understand how the handball can be objective - they dont have the tech.

They looked at it and made a judgement call - which was probably correct - but I dont see that as there remit
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on May 01, 2026, 11:13:04 PM
I've missed the last few pages. Could anyone summarise*?

*If anyone tries I'll kill them cold dead and bloody with the full force of my hands and equipment.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Beard82 on May 01, 2026, 11:16:28 PM
Correct, CD. I was watching it in Ireland, and it definitely brushed off Maradona's hair rather than hitting his hand.
Peter Shilton gave an after dinner speech at a work do I went to probably about 15 years ago.  He was telling the story that after the game - he ended up next to Maradona (cant remember exactly why/how) - Shilton asked him if he handled it and Maradona saod he didnt.

Shilton said if he had seen a replay before that encounter -  he would of punched him.  Cue some one to shout "you could have just punched the f***ing ball" which got the biggest laugh of the evening
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Somniloquism on May 01, 2026, 11:19:30 PM
I dont understand how the handball can be objective - they dont have the tech.

They looked at it and made a judgement call - which was probably correct - but I dont see that as there remit

The ball not crossing the line was the definitive in this case, the ref then made the decision on the handball after being shown it on the monitor to confirm it was handball in his opinion.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 01, 2026, 11:20:36 PM
Correct, CD. I was watching it in Ireland, and it definitely brushed off Maradona's hair rather than hitting his hand.
Peter Shilton gave an after dinner speech at a work do I went to probably about 15 years ago.  He was telling the story that after the game - he ended up next to Maradona (cant remember exactly why/how) - Shilton asked him if he handled it and Maradona saod he didnt.

Shilton said if he had seen a replay before that encounter -  he would of punched him.  Cue some one to shout "you could have just punched the f***ing ball" which got the biggest laugh of the evening

I like that.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Beard82 on May 01, 2026, 11:24:21 PM
I dont understand how the handball can be objective - they dont have the tech.

They looked at it and made a judgement call - which was probably correct - but I dont see that as there remit

The ball not crossing the line was the definitive in this case, the ref then made the decision on the handball after being shown it on the monitor to confirm it was handball in his opinion.
I appericate that was probably true - but I dont see how it can be definitive as there isnt the view or tech to confirm it.  I spent 10 mins earlier looking at all the photos etc but ultimately none of them (in my view) show that the linesman (who saw it in real life - not frame by frame) was wrong.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Somniloquism on May 01, 2026, 11:27:36 PM
Quite correct as well, for all the moaning about the handball, Shilton had 7 inches on Maradona so if he had actually jumped there is no way the ball was going past him even with the hand help.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Somniloquism on May 01, 2026, 11:29:59 PM

I appericate that was probably true - but I dont see how it can be definitive as there isnt the view or tech to confirm it.  I spent 10 mins earlier looking at all the photos etc but ultimately none of them (in my view) show that the linesman (who saw it in real life - not frame by frame) was wrong.

You must be trolling now or you need to visit here. (https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/birmingham)



Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Beard82 on May 01, 2026, 11:41:02 PM
I dont understand how the handball can be objective - they dont have the tech.

They looked at it and made a judgement call - which was probably correct - but I dont see that as there remit

The ball not crossing the line was the definitive in this case, the ref then made the decision on the handball after being shown it on the monitor to confirm it was handball in his opinion.
I appericate that was probably true - but I dont see how it can be definitive as there isnt the view or tech to confirm it.  I spent 10 mins earlier looking at all the photos etc but ultimately none of them (in my view) show that the linesman (who saw it in real life - not frame by frame) was wrong.

You must be trolling now or you need to visit here. (https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/birmingham)
I dont see how var can judge it definitivity-  and if they can - what a time to be alive. 
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Rory on May 02, 2026, 02:50:23 AM
Forest fan here

Good result for us, but it's only half time and we don't have a very good record at Villa Park, so obviously all to play for. Can't help but feel we needed to score a second and take advantage of being at home.

Very surprised that Anderson got away with the red card challenge - 10 years ago, there'd be nothing wrong with that, but by todays standards it's a red and I'm surprised it wasn't given.

A couple of points to clarify; the fireworks at the end of game always happen after a win at night; its something that started in our promotion season and seems to have continued as a tradition. I'm not a massive fan of it, but the majority seem to like it. There's also been a few videos online of Forest fans seemingly extremely confident that the job is done; those on social media just shout the loudest. I can guarantee, 99% of forest fans are very much aware that the tie is still in the balance.

Thanks mate, good post. I've no problem with Forest.

I hope we smash you in the second leg but otherwise, good luck to you.
Title: Re: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread
Post by: Rory on May 02, 2026, 02:51:08 AM
Correct, CD. I was watching it in Ireland, and it definitely brushed off Maradona's hair rather than hitting his hand.
Peter Shilton gave an after dinner speech at a work do I went to probably about 15 years ago.  He was telling the story that after the game - he ended up next to Maradona (cant remember exactly why/how) - Shilton asked him if he handled it and Maradona saod he didnt.

Shilton said if he had seen a replay before that encounter -  he would of punched him.  Cue some one to shout "you could have just punched the f***ing ball" which got the biggest laugh of the evening

Very good.
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