Player ratings as Aston Villa reach Europa League final: Two standout 9s in stunning display

Villa turned on their class and quality as they swept aside Nottingham Forest to reach the final of the Europa League.

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg at the City Ground - Villa were level by half time as Ollie Watkins finished off a superb move.

Villa were then awarded a penalty after a VAR intervention - with Emi Buendia tucking it away to give them the lead in the tie.

And then talisman John McGinn scored twice in a few minutes to wrap up the victory.

Jonny Drury rates the players after a memorable night at Villa Park.

Emi Martinez

Quiet and hardly a save to make. When he did have something to do, such as take a cross with Villa under pressure he did it. Produced one superb save against Chris Wood, but the offside flag was about to be raised.

Quiet 7

Matty Cash

Involved in a fast start with attacks down the right and skewed an effort when in a good position. In some ways, a quieter night for Cash. Did his job with his former side struggling to lay a glove on Villa at times.

Tidy 7

Pau Torres

Had the first chance with a glancing header and all night he was so calm in possession, and along with his fellow defenders they kept Forest at bay. Got into a great area and earned what was a certain spot kick.

Calm 8

Victor Lindelof

Asked to step into midfield and did a key and good job in the centre of the field. Mopped up so well in both halves, winning second balls and picking up the bits. Also got forward when he could.

Impressive 7

Ezri Konsa

Went close after a few minutes. Solid as a rock all night, with Wood hardly having a sniff. Got Villa out of a few tight spaces in the first half.

Superb 8

Lucas Digne

Got caught out early on as Hutchinson got in and curled wide. That was about the best effort Forest had. Got involved going forward in the second half and did his job well.

Solid 7

Youri Tielemans

Aside from the odd slip in possession he was excellent and a tone setter for Villa. Played some superb passes to put Villa into fantastic areas. Dragged his side up the pitch at times too.

Tone 8

John McGinn

No surprise that McGinn turned out a classic captain’s performance. Led the way with his energy early on. His deliveries caused first half danger and in the second. Had a big chance on the hour, but then took both of his goals superbly well to kill the game.

Leader 9

Emi Buendia

Busy and involved in most of Villa’s good attacking move. The highlight was his superb turn as he skipped through a defender to set up the opener. Showed such calmness to slot his spot kick away under pressure.

Quality 8

Morgan Rogers

Up to the final stages it wasn’t really Rogers’ night. A few things didn’t come off, and he didn’t have the impact he would like. But his superb touch allowed Watkins to set up McGinn, before he then assisted the fourth.

Assists 7

Ollie Watkins

What a display from the striker. A nuisance all game and it was his work that forced a Forest mistake that then led to his goal as he got into the right area. Had the beating of the centre backs all game. Played a hand in both of McGinn’s roles and was just sensational all night.

Sensational 9

Substitutes

74 - Lamar Bogarde for Lindelof 6

Did his job when he came on

90 - Tyrone Mings for Digne N/A

90 - Douglas Luiz for McGinn N/A

90 - Leon Bailey for Rogers N/A

Subs not used: Bizot, Wright, Elliott, Garcia, Abraham, Sancho, Maatsen