Emery must drop 5/10 Aston Villa dud who gave the ball away 14 times

Aston Villa lost the third Premier League game in the last six, losing 2-1 to Nottingham Forest despite taking a one-goal lead in the 63rd minute through John Duran.

On Unai Emery’s side had 50% of the ballwho took just eight shots in the game and generated just 0.43kG, compared to Forest’s 1.78kG.

Emery’s side now sit sixth in the Premier League having won seven, drawn four and lost five of their opening 16 games. The Villars won 25 points, which now leaves them three points short of the Champions League qualification spot.

Despite Emiliano Martinez’s heroics, Villa were unable to hang on and Forest later scored twice to steal all three points, winning 2-1. Two performers in particular disappointed on the day, one of whom has been in excellent form so far this campaign.

Morgan Rodgers performance against Nottingham Forest

Morgan Rodgers has been one of Emery’s best players this season, offering significant creation and threat in central areas. The 22-year-old has made 22 appearances in all competitions this seasonscored four goals, provided three assists and played a total of 1,832 minutes.

However, against Forest, the English forward couldn’t get things going. Despite having strong penalties, Rodgers lost possession 16 timeshe completed just two of his six dribble attempts, had the game’s only shot blocked, while losing ten of his 16 duels on the floor.

However, the 22-year-old was not Villa’s worst player. In fact, one of their more experienced stars let the side down, making a huge mistake at the back end of the game, his error leading to a goal, and overall giving a sub-par performance.

Matty Cash’s performance in numbers against Nottingham Forest

Former forester Matty Cash was awarded a 5/10 match rating by Express and Starand his part in the home team’s second goal was heavily criticized. The 27-year-old has made 12 appearances for Villan in all competitions this seasonscored one goal, contributed two clean sheets and a total of 904 minutes.

The Poland international was deployed on the right against Forest, with the dual responsibility of keeping the width further forward but also dropping back to support Ezri Konsa at right-back and double Callum Hudson-Odoi on the left wing for Forest.

In addition to the error that led to the goal, Cash also lost possession 14 times in the game, failed to complete a successful cross despite finding himself in some good wide areas to execute, completed just one of his three dribble attempts and had a 70% shooting percentage . .

Of course, being a natural right-back, Cash brings added defensive stability when doubling up in those wide areas. However, his errors in possession can cost the side, conceding extra possession to the opposition and putting Emery’s side under pressure.

The manager will need to shake things up when Villa face Manchester City next week, and someone like Cash after his error-prone display could be dropped to stabilize things against last season’s Premier League champions.