Unai Emery blames VAR after Aston Villa's heartbreaking loss to Nottingham Forest | OneFootball

Unai Emery voiced strong criticism of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system following Aston Villa's heart-wrenching 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest in Sunday's Premier League clash. The Spanish tactician's frustration stemmed from a contentious penalty decision that could have significantly altered the match's outcome, reigniting debates about technology's role in football.

VAR's controversial decision

The controversy unfolded in the 35th minute when Villa's Morgan Rogers appeared to be fouled in the penalty area by Elliot Anderson. Match referee Sam Barrott waved play on, whilst VAR official John Brooks chose not to intervene, dismissing the incident as a "fleeting grab". This decision left the Villa camp seething, with Emery breaking his usual diplomatic stance on officiating matters. Emery declared in his post-match press conference,

The manager's impassioned response highlighted growing concerns about consistency in VAR decisions.

Late drama overshadows Villa's performance

The match itself proved to be a tale of two halves. Villa demonstrated their attacking prowess when Jhon Duran netted his sixth league goal of the season, converting a precise cross from John McGinn in the 61st minute. However, their joy was short-lived as Forest mounted a remarkable comeback in the closing stages.

Nikola Milenkovic's equaliser set the stage for a dramatic finale, with Anthony Elanga delivering the knockout blow three minutes into stoppage time. This defeat marked Villa's fourth consecutive away loss in the Premier League, reminiscent of their troubled period under Steven Gerrard's leadership in August 2022.

The result carries significant implications for both clubs. Villa's position in the top-four race now faces increased pressure, particularly with an upcoming fixture against defending champions Manchester City. Meanwhile, Forest's victory propels them into an impressive fourth place, marking a remarkable transformation for a club that barely escaped relegation last season.