Credit: Imago / Sky Sports Main Event / Hasan Karim - Breaking Media

Harri Burton

Sat 5 April 2025 20:16, UK

Ollie Watkins was furious with Axel Disasi when not ready to take his foot off the accelerator after Aston Villa’s lightning-quick start against Nottingham Forest.

Unai Emery’s side raced into a 1-0 lead at Villa Park on Saturday, 5 April, with Morgan Rogers hitting the back of the net after just 13 minutes, with Ian Maatsen already being denied from close range.

It was the 22-year-old’s 16th goal since joining the Villans from Middlesbrough, and that joy was doubled just two minutes later as Donyell Malen popped up at the back post.

All three points would mean Villa moving within one point of the Champions League spots in the Premier League table, but with Forest pressing to get back into the game, Watkins was in no mood to slow down.

Ollie Watkins disappointed with Axel Disasi at Villa Park

The striker has only scored once in his last eight matches across all competitions, which might have added to his frustrations as the Reds’ defence appeared to open up for him.

With all eyes on Disasi, who had ridden three challenges from Forest midfielders before breaking towards the edge of the penalty area, it would have been a simple pass to feed Watkins through on goal.

However, the Frenchman clearly had his blinkers on as he let rip from outside the area, and sent his effort flying high into the stands, nowhere near challenging Matz Sels in between the sticks.

Giving the ball to Watkins could have sealed all three points at that moment, but with another half of football left to play, it gave Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side a slim chance of staging a comeback.

With Jota Silva hitting back before the hour mark, and Callum Hudson-Odoi and Neco Williams missing chances, there was certainly reasoning behind the player’s reaction.

Luckily, especially for Disasi, the Reds could not find a much-deserved equaliser and Villa claimed a narrow 2-1 win.

Unai Emery takes Aston Villa higher up Premier League table

Football Insider verdict

While it was a rather unsavoury moment from the Villa duo, Emery will have no problem with his players having passion and desire, especially in front of their home crowd at Villa Park.

It was actually the Chelsea loanee who performed the stronger on the day as a whole, with Watkins struggling for impact up front.

Emery, who has been tipped to join Man United, has the potential to make history with the Villans this season, battling away in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford have both been incredible for Villa, and with Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara all starring this season, there is no reason why they can’t accomplish these things.

However, with how Forest fought back in the second half against Emery’s side, the alarm bells would have started ringing for the manager, who could only change the script with the right substitutions.

With Ezri Konsa and Kamara added for fresh legs, Villa just about held out for the victory despite the Reds’ best efforts, saving Watkins from having another strong word with his teammate.