Emery must axe Disasi after evidence v Forest – 3 Aston Villa talking points
Aston Villa’s impressive season took another exciting turn when Unai Emery’s men beat Nottingham Forest 2-1 on Saturday.
Forest have established themselves as one of the best teams in the top-flight this term and deservedly sit third in the Premier League.
However, Villa achieved their seventh consecutive victory across all competitions, thanks to early goals from Morgan Rogers and Donyell Malen.
Emery’s side have climbed to sixth in the Premier League, and have tangible dreams of landing a top-four spot for the second season on the bounce.
Villa News takes you through some of the main talking points after Emery and Co claimed their latest victory.
Emery should drop Disasi ahead of PSG test
Axel Disasi enjoyed a largely successful first-half against Forest, as Villa enjoyed a 1-0 advantage at the break.
However, when Andres Garcia made way for Ezri Konsa at half-time, the man on loan from Chelsea was shifted across to right-back and looked uncomfortable as he struggled to deal with the double threat from Neco Williams and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Williams created the Forest goal down Disasi’s side, and the Frenchman will be in for a tricky night at the office against PSG if he is called upon at full-back once more on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Konsa remains a preferable option to sit next to Tyrone Mings in central defence.
Villa may live to regret Jhon Duran sale as business end of the season approaches
Amid a majorly successful campaign, Emery’s men are still vying to win two trophies this term alongside their efforts to enjoy a strong finish in the Premier League.
But while Villa are still fighting to win both the FA Cup and Champions League, they sold Jhon Duran in the winter transfer window, leaving Ollie Watkins as Emery’s only out-and-out striker.
| Jhon Duran stats | 2024/25 Premier League |
| Appearances | 20 |
| Goals | 7 |
| Assists | 0 |
Watkins put in a poor performance against Forest and would have been replaced by Duran in months gone by.
Instead, he made way for fellow England international Marcus Rashford, who has been terrific since moving to Villa Park but lacks the sort of presence down the middle that was shown by his predecessor in the number nine shirt.
Malen could be a major asset for Villa in the run-in
Winter transfer window addition Malen has not had the sort of explosive impact since moving to the West Midlands as that of Marco Asensio or Rashford.
However, the Netherlands international has now notched two goals in as many appearances, proving that he could play a vital role for Villa as the season reaches its potentially exciting conclusion.
Malen’s experience in Europe could prove particularly beneficial for Emery and Co, as he reached the Champions League final with former club Borussia Dortmund just last term.