AdminAfter securing a 1-0 victory last week and then following that up with a 3-1 victory over Chelsea on Monday, Forest had every reason to be in good spirits.
Their season, which has been surrounded by the narrative of potential relegation and managerial failure, had the chance to flip towards shock European success.
Ultimately, however, finding a way past their Midlands rivals was a step too far. The Villans ensured that last weekend’s sacrifice against Tottenham Hotspur was worthwhile and Emiliano Buendia took his chance to steal the headlines – driving past endless Forest defenders to supply Ollie Watkins’ opener.
It was the beginning of a disappointing defensive display from Pereira’s side. The next culprit was Nikola Milenković. It was the Serbian’s negligence when tugging on Pau Torres’ shirt that led to Villa’s penalty. The referee had no choice and Buendia soon found a second from the spot.
From there, the visitors unravelled entirely and it was Jair Cunha up next to take the blame on one of his worst evenings in a Forest shirt.
Nottingham Forest star could now be finished under Pereira
In one three-minute spell, Cunha’s Nottingham Forest career may well have gone up in flames. The central defender was nowhere to be seen for both of John McGinn’s goals as Villa went marauding down the unexpected space down Forest’s left-hand side.
The hosts took full advantage and booked their place in Istanbul in style.
Questions were beginning to end over Cunha’s quality, with Pereira’s tenure taking full effect. Those questions, however, are now likely to arrive back in full as the summer transfer window approaches.
| Cunha vs Aston Villa | |
|---|---|
| Minutes | 88 |
| Touches | 46 |
| Duel success | 1/3 |
| Tackles | 1 |
| Pass success | 33/38 |
The numbers do not make for pretty reading. When Forest switched to a back three, it was Cunha who suffered. Positionally, he cost his side. Statistically, the numbers reflect a passive performance which simply did not take hold of the backline.
The Tricky Trees didn’t stand much of a chance if they were planning on being so passive. There was a sense of inevitability that the Villa onslaught would arrive and for the first time in weeks, Pereira got his approach wrong.
The Forest boss now has some big decisions to make ahead of Newcastle United’s trip to the City Ground this weekend. If tonight’s performance is anything to go by, then it may be the final time that Cunha earns a starting place.
Now that Murillo is back to full fitness, it is likely that the Brazilian reclaims his place in the side, leaving his compatriot to watch on from the bench full of European regret.
One thing that the Midlands club don’t have time for is to feel sorry for themselves. Safety can be confirmed with victory over Newcastle this weekend and that is the ultimate goal for everyone at the City Ground this season.
Admin
Bangerboy