Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Sun 12 April 2026 15:53, UK

Aston Villa could only manage a draw away to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

The Villans took the lead through a Murillo own goal and looked destined to kick on before earning a routine three points.

Things didn’t work out that way, as Marco Bizot was caught out at his near post by Neco Williams’ strike from the edge of the box.

The Wales international’s equaliser helped the Reds to a 1-1 draw as the points were shared at the City Ground.

Villa should have done better against Forest, and now, Villa News rates each player’s performance out of 10 in the East Midlands.

John McGinn excellent again for Aston Villa

Having the 31-year-old back is so important for Unai Emery.

It has shown in recent weeks and certainly showed against Forest as he was one of the few players who actually turned up for the away side.

McGinn clocked up 32 touches and maintained a 96 per cent pass accuracy in the East Midlands against a tough opposition midfield.

The Scotland international came so close to scoring just after the hour with a curling effort which would have found the corner if not for Mats Sels.

He also contributed three defensive actions and won three duels to help his side feel their way into the game against the Reds.

McGinn has been superb for Villa since returning from injury and continued to show just how good he is at the City Ground.

Morgan Rogers to blame for Nottingham Forest equaliser

He may of drilled the cross in off Murillo that opened the scoring, but Rogers had a day to forget.

He hit the bar just minutes before Forest levelled the score, and it was his lackadaisical attitude on the ball that allowed the hosts to come back into the game.

Misplacing four passes isn’t good enough, and it ultimately changed the atmosphere at the City Ground in the hosts’ favour.

The England international then went on to miss a near-open goal as the ball rebounded to him on the edge of the six-yard box.

He continued his zero per cent shot accuracy and blazed the effort over the bar, but truly didn’t seem to care.

And it is that which sums up his performance.

Aston Villa player ratings vs Nottingham Forest

Marco Bizot – 5

Matty Cash – 5

Victor Lindelof – 6

Pau Torres – 6

Lucas Digne – 5

Amadou Onana – 5

Youri Tielemans – 5

Ross Barkley – 4

Morgan Rogers – 4

John McGinn – 7

Ollie Watkins – 4

Substitutes

Ian Maatsen – 5

Douglas Luiz – 5

Emi Buendia – 6

Tammy Abraham – N/A

Andres Garcia – N/A