Friday’s briefing: Watkins puts Villa in charge and defeat for Forest

Ollie Watkins ended his goal drought as Aston Villa battled to a 1-0 away win at Lille in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.

Nottingham Forest, though, slipped to a 1-0 defeat at home against Danish side Midtjylland.

In the Conference League, Crystal Palace were left frustrated after a goalless draw against Larnaca at Selhurst Park.

Unai Emery content with serious Villa

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery felt his side had delivered the “serious” display he called for after Ollie Watkins’ header secured a slender 1-0 win from the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.

Emery’s 100th victory in charge came on the back of a determined performance at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, where Villa had weathered a storm at the end of the first half before making the crucial breakthrough just after the hour.

Ezri Konsa sent a high ball forward which was nodded on by Emiliano Buendia at the edge of the penalty area, and Watkins kept his composure to send a header up over Lille keeper Berke Ozer for a first goal in eight matches.

Villa then almost swiftly doubled their lead when Amadou Onana’s curling shot from the edge of the penalty area clipped the angle.

After losing three of their last four domestic games, it was a much-needed return to form for Villa, who travel to top-four rivals Manchester United on Sunday.

“We played very seriously,” Emery said to VillaTV. “We didn’t create a lot of chances, but some clear chances to score.

“I am happy with how the players responded to the game plan we did.

“I am happy, but we know in the dressing room that it is (only) the first leg.”

Forest come up short against Midtjylland

Nottingham Forest suffered another Europa League defeat to Midtjylland after Cho Gue-sung’s late header earned the Danish side a 1-0 win at the City Ground in the last-16 first leg.

Forest were aiming to avenge their previous loss to Midtjylland – who came to Nottingham back in October and won 3-2 – but were unable to stop history from repeating itself.

Vitor Pereira’s side could not find a way past goalkeeper Elias Rafn Olafsson, who made a string of saves to keep it goalless at the break.

Severe weather conditions in the second half then became an obstacle that both sides had to play through, but Midtjylland continued to frustrate Forest, who accumulated 22 shots through the game.

Attacks for the Danish visitors were few and far between but they still posed a threat.

The woodwork came to Forest’s rescue before Cho headed beyond keeper Matz Sels, which saw the winless run for the Premier League side stretch to five games across all competitions.

Forest boss Pereira said: “In the end, they created two chances and scored one goal.

“We are in half-time, because they (Midtjylland) are celebrating a lot. It’s like they finished the game today, but it’s not finished.”

Eagles fail to soar against Larnaca

Crystal Palace have to do it the hard way in the away leg of their Conference League last-16 tie after Cypriot side AEK Larnaca held them to a goalless draw at a blustery Selhurst Park.

The sides were familiar foes – having faced each other in the league phase at Selhurst Park in October, when the hosts suffered a shock 1-0 loss and were ultimately forced to battle their way through a two-legged play-off with Zrinjski Mostar to reach the knockouts.

Palace were not without their chances, but lacked the end product against a Larnaca side playing for the first time under new boss Javi Rozada.

““It’s never easy (in Europe), and we have to respect all the opposition. They are such an experienced team and we could see it,” said Palace boss Oliver Glasner, who had forward Jean-Philippe Mateta back in the squad following a knee injury.

What’s on today?

Friday night’s live Sky Bet Championship action sees Wrexham host Welsh rivals Swansea at Stok Cae Ras – where Red Dragons’ co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac will be on commentary duty.

Several Premier League clubs will be holding press conferences ahead of the weekend’s action – with the spotlight firmly on under-fire Tottenham interim head coach Igor Tudor, who will be up to face the media from 1.30pm.

First to speak on Friday morning will be Arne Slot and Eddie Howe, with Liam Rosenior, Pep Guardiola, Michael Carrick and Mikel Areta all part of a busy afternoon schedule.