Alan Shearer can’t believe footage of Nottm Forest star Morata v Aston Villa
Aston Villa took a significant step toward earning Champions League football on Saturday when they faced Nottingham Forest.
Unai Emery’s side defeated third-placed Nottingham Forest by two goals to one at Villa Park after a blistering opening 15 minutes that blew Nuno Espirito Santo’s men away.
Goals from Morgan Rogers and Donyell Malen, just two minutes apart from each other, left Forest with a mountain to climb after 15 minutes that proved to be too much.
Jota Silva did find the back of the net in the 57th minute to give Forest some hope, but it was ultimately not enough to get them back into the game.
Aston Villa took advantage of Morata’s mistake
Villa’s victory moved them into sixth place in the Premier League table and level on points with Man City in fifth, which is believed to be enough to secure a spot in Europe’s elite competition this season.
Rogers’ opening goal took Forest by surprise because it was so early in the game, with a tremendous long ball allowing him to break free on goal.
While it was impressive from Villa’s perspective, the situation left Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer was stunned as he analysed it on Match of the Day (5 April).
| Match Stats | Aston Villa | Nottingham Forest |
| Possession | 53% | 47% |
| Total Shots | 17 | 19 |
| Fouls | 7 | 15 |
| Passes | 429 | 389 |
He believed that Morata was at fault for Forest as he showcased a lack of concentration in what proved to be a vital moment of the game.
Shearer said, “At any level, you cannot switch off, no matter what system you’re playing, you just cannot switch off, and Forest did that in the first 15 minutes, and that ultimately is what’s cost them the game.
“Have a look at Morata here, he’s actually playing with his shinpad, and by the time he realises, it’s too late.
“It’s an incredible touch and a brilliant finish, but he’s playing with his shin pad, once I said you can’t switch off.”
Aston Villa are preparing for a sensational finish
Villa are focused on securing European football by the end of the season, but they are set for a busy run-in due to being active in two other competitions.
Emery has transformed Villa into a team that can fight for silverware at the highest level this season, with an FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace set to take place on 26 April.
However, before the Midlands giants descend upon Wembley Stadium, they also have a couple of huge games against PSG in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Villa’s next outing is Wednesday (9 April), when they travel to Paris for the away leg of the Champions League game against PSG.