Emery demands ‘an explanation’ from VAR after Anderson tackle goes unpunished

• Manager says Watkins’ ankle could have been broken

• Pereira hails ‘the spirit of this team’ as Forest win 1-0

Unai Emery raged at the video assistant referee for failing to flag Elliot Anderson’s dangerous first-half tackle on Ollie Watkins in defeat at Nottingham Forest and claimed the England striker was fortunate to avoid a broken ankle. Villa’s manager said the Portuguese VAR, Tiago Martins, made a “huge mistake” by not alerting the referee, João Pinheiro, to the incident.

Forest prevailed 1-0 in the Europa League first leg at the City Ground courtesy of a 71st-minute Chris Wood penalty, awarded after a VAR review ruled the ball was in play when Lucas Digne handled Omari Hutchinson’s cross inside the box, but Villa were left incandescent about Anderson’s challenge. The referee waved play on when Anderson caught Watkins on his ankle before claiming the ball and the VAR did not intervene. Emery admitted he did not realise the seriousness of the incident until reviewing footage of the tackle after the match.