MOTD react to Nottingham Forest incident that 'upset' Unai Emery in Aston Villa clash

James McAtee has emerged as the centre of attention following Nottingham Forest's 2-1 win away at Aston Villa on Saturday.

The visitors claimed their first three points at Villa Park in 32 years thanks to a long-range strike from Liam Delap, and a late winner from Igor Jesus, sandwiched on either side of Alysson's goal for the hosts.

However, the Reds' victory was certainly not without its controversies, not least a late challenge from McAtee that saw him escape a red card.

The young midfielder lunged in on Villa left-back Ian Maatsen in the 80th minute, but the tackle was only deemed sufficient for a yellow card by referee Andy Madley.

Maatsen was ultimately unable to continue, leaving Villa boss Unai Emery fuming at the fact that his team had to finish the game with 10 men, having already used all of their substitutions.

Forest went on to use their numerical advantage to find a late winner, and there has been plenty of debate regarding McAtee's tackle in the aftermath of the game.

Ashley Williams reacts to 'silly' James McAtee tackle

McAtee was withdrawn just moments after the incident, with Forest boss Oliver Glasner clearly concerned about the starlet potentially picking up a second yellow card.

However, Villa fans have been up in arms over the fact that the 23-year-old wasn't immediately given his marching orders for injuring Maatsen.

Nevertheless, former Wales defender Ashley Williams believes that Madley made the correct decision to caution McAtee, although he did acknowledge on Match of the Day that it was a "silly" challenge from the Forest man.

"I think a yellow is fair. But it is a bad challenge and a silly challenge from McAtee," he said.

"I can understand Emery being upset a little bit; he'd used all of his subs by that point. I think a yellow was probably right on this.

"We have seen red cards for tackles like that, although in my opinion it's probably a yellow; it's a silly tackle from McAtee."

McAtee set for increased role at Nottingham Forest

Football Insider revealed back in July that McAtee never had any intention of departing the City Ground this summer, despite signifiant interest in him from West Ham at one stage.

The former Manchester City man started just two games in the Premier League last season, but he has already impressed Glasner in the early stages of his tenure.

The Austrian has opted to start McAtee in all four of his team's Premier League games so far this term, and is clearly pleased with his performance levels.

McAtee looks set to become a key player for Forest if he can continue to hit those heights consistently, and he already has the backing of his manager.