Aston Villa crush Forest to reach Europa League final
Player ratings: McGinn and Buendia shine as Villa beat Forest 4-0. Lindelof steps up in midfield, Watkins scores, Buendia nets a penalty, and Emery’s side reach the Europa League final.
De Zerbi defends criticism of Spurs’ 2-1 win over rotated Villa, noting Forest also rotated. He lists Villa’s quality options and gives updates on Palhinha, Vicario, Solanke and Maddison.
Emery hails Villa’s ‘best’ collective and individual display in the 4-0 win over Forest as Watkins, Buendia and McGinn score, but urges balance before the Freiburg final in Istanbul.
Coventry eye Villa’s Ross Barkley for a Lampard reunion, with his future under Emery uncertain amid limited minutes as Villa near Champions League qualification.
Report links Villa with Roma’s Matias Soule, with initial contact made and a €30m fee touted, as Roma’s FFP-driven sales could aid a move Emery is keen on.
Report claims Douglas Luiz’s reduced minutes mean Villa will not trigger €25m option, leaving Juventus fearing the 27-year-old is ‘unsellable’ and stuck on their books until 2029 after failed Forest loan.
Report claims Emery earns about £12m a year, but his coaching, player improvement and European qualification are argued to justify the outlay for Aston Villa.
Watkins and Buendia reflect on the 4-0 turnaround vs Forest, citing a strong start, a calm penalty and Villa Park’s ‘12th man’, while targeting prestige and focus for the final.
Belgian pundit Jelle Tack urges Youri Tielemans to be ambitious, saying he ‘fits in perfectly’ at Bayern Munich. The Villa midfielder, under contract to 2028, earlier said he would consider a concrete offer.
Villa overturn 1-0 deficit as Watkins taps in, Buendia converts a penalty, and McGinn nets a late brace to beat Forest 4-0, 4-1 agg, and book an Istanbul final vs Freiburg on 20 May.
Villa enquire over Jonathan David, but Juventus must cover part of his €6m net salary or accept a loan with option to buy. €12m book value, World Cup could alter plans, and Juve squad needs complicate exit.
Benfica must pay Villa €15m for Enzo Barrenechea after clauses triggered, but Mourinho is open to selling. Valencia eye a return on loan with option, while Benfica prefer cash, creating a transfer tug-of-war.
After a 4-0 win over Nottingham Forest sealed a Europa League final, Villa target Champions League push at Burnley. Predicted tweaks: Douglas Luiz for Victor Lindelof in midfield, Ian Maatsen for Lucas Digne.
If Villa win the Europa League, the Premier League’s EPS could see sixth qualify for the Champions League, with the final vs Freiburg on 20 May key.
After rotating vs Spurs, Villa crush Forest 4-0 to reach the Europa League final, vindicating Emery’s selection. West Ham lament the relegation swing but accept Villa’s priorities.
