Aston Villa's title charge led by Premier League's deadliest pair

Aston Villa's progress in the Premier League has been driven by several key factors, but one of the most significant was the performance that secured a crucial victory, ensuring their name remains in the title race. Just before halftime, as the home team had dominated the first half, Ollie Watkins broke Nottingham Forest's resistance with his fourth goal in three matches. This was his first goal at home since September, and if he can maintain this form, it could secure a top-four finish for Villa.

Morgan Rogers provided the assist for Watkins' goal, marking the 10th time the England duo have combined in such a way since the start of last season. This partnership is considered one of the most effective in the league, potentially making them an attractive option for Thomas Tuchel ahead of the World Cup.

Unai Emery praised the duo, stating, "They are fantastic players and fantastic competitors. Their focus and desire to improve things, their commitment to the club is massive. That commitment is huge, the same as the connection with supporters and the work and the standards they set every day."

Alongside Watkins and Rogers, John McGinn delivered a second-half double, helping Villa bounce back from their defeat at the Emirates. Emery emphasized the importance of focusing on the next step, saying, "We won today and are playing well. Of course, our target is Europe, but it's one step at a time."

Forest, on the other hand, faced a difficult match as they prepared for a crucial visit to West Ham United. Their strategy of sitting deep and counter-attacking initially frustrated Villa until Watkins and Rogers capitalized on mistakes. However, this approach proved risky, especially with Igor Jesus struggling to retain possession when clearances were made.

Chris Wood's return from injury is eagerly anticipated, although his exact recovery date remains unclear. Combined with some lackadaisical defending, this led to a disastrous result as Forest suffered their fourth consecutive league defeat despite Morgan Gibbs-White's effort briefly threatening a comeback.

Sean Dyche acknowledged the challenges, stating, "The owners have shown they are always willing to back the club. Within the right parameters of course." He also noted, "There’s no lack of effort or commitment, but there were too many game-management errors."

Watkins had already come close after Forest's early lapses in concentration, with both he and Rogers exploiting careless work on the edge of the break. After receiving the ball from Rogers, the 30-year-old was afforded too much time, turned, and rifled it beyond John Victor from just outside the box.

Rogers, who was denied by a timely intervention from Murillo, continued to impress. Matty Cash created the opening for McGinn to double Villa's advantage with an emphatic angled strike.

Forest tested Villa sporadically, with Gibbs-White's effort sandwiched between McGinn's two goals briefly threatening an unlikely comeback. However, more careless work presented McGinn with his second goal of the afternoon. Having been released by Youri Tielemans, the midfielder profited from the indecision of Victor and those around him to seal the victory.

Emery highlighted the importance of their response, saying, "How we reacted was very important. Our energy, our game plan, our consistency and our focus was important."

Ollie Watkins scored an absolute screamer to ensure Villa's first-half efforts were rewarded. Referee Simon Hooper was about to blow for half-time as the England man was afforded too much time by Nikola Milenkovic and responded by smashing home from just outside the box.

The match saw several key moments, including John Victor's injury and subsequent emotional exit. The final whistle marked a decisive victory for Villa, with their urgency in passing proving crucial. Despite some defensive lapses, the result reflected their dominance throughout the game.