Unai Emery Demands Red Card for McAtee After Maatsen Injury
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery believes James McAtee should have been sent off during Nottingham Forest’s 2-1 Premier League win at Villa Park, with Ian Maatsen now facing the prospect of a lengthy absence after an ankle injury.
Late incident leaves Villa short-handed
The decisive flashpoint came in the 81st minute, when Forest midfielder McAtee challenged Maatsen. Referee Andy Madeley booked the 23-year-old, but Emery felt the VAR team should have advised an on-field review and a red card for a tackle he regarded as coming from behind.
Maatsen, the 24-year-old Netherlands international, could not place weight on the injured leg and required assistance as he left the pitch. His departure left Villa effectively operating with 10 men during the closing stages, and Forest struck their second goal seven minutes after the challenge.
- Result: Aston Villa 1-2 Nottingham Forest
- Key challenge: McAtee on Maatsen in the 81st minute
- Referee’s decision: yellow card for McAtee
- Villa’s concern: a potentially serious ankle problem for Maatsen
- Winning goal: Forest scored seven minutes after Maatsen went off
Emery disputes VAR call but accepts Forest deserved victory
Emery said footage of the challenge strengthened his view that the officials should have intervened. He argued that a dismissal would have changed the balance of the final minutes, with both sides playing with 10 men rather than Villa being reduced by Maatsen’s enforced exit.
However, the Villa head coach did not use the incident as the sole explanation for the defeat. He accepted that Forest earned their win through their second-half display and said Villa had not performed to their expected level after the interval.
Emery said his team had allowed Forest too many opportunities in the closing period once Maatsen was injured, adding that responsibility for Villa’s lack of rhythm and poor second-half performance rested with him and his staff as well as the players.
Maatsen injury adds to Villa’s selection problems
The former Chelsea defender’s condition is now a major concern at Villa Park. Emery indicated that the early signs pointed towards a serious ankle issue and warned Maatsen may be unavailable for a “long, long time”.
Villa’s squad depth is already under scrutiny amid an increasing injury list, and the loss of Maatsen would further complicate Emery’s defensive options. The defeat also leaves the club with one point from its opening Premier League matches.
Coventry cup tie precedes Tottenham trip
Villa have little time to dwell on the Forest setback, with a Carabao Cup visit to Coventry City scheduled for midweek. The match offers Emery’s side an immediate chance to restore confidence and build momentum.
After that, Villa travel to north London to meet Tottenham Hotspur in their last fixture before the September international break.
