Aston Villa frustrated as Neco Williams’s strike bolsters Forest’s survival hopes

On a typically nervy afternoon on the Trent, one of the biggest cheers of the afternoon arrived in the seconds after the final whistle, news over the speakers that Tottenham were still trailing at Sunderland. For Nottingham Forest, a creditable draw against Aston Villa takes them another precious point towards Premier League safety, Neco Williams’s low strike cancelling out Murillo’s own goal; confirmation that Forest are now three clear of the relegation zone was greeted as warmly as one would expect.

These teams could meet again at the end of the month in a Europa League semi-final but, for now, there are more pressing priorities for both teams. For the fourth successive season, Villa again left the City Ground without the full bounty and they wasted a series of chances to earn victory, Morgan Rogers skying a shot from close range and Ollie Watkins also sent a shot sailing over the bar.