Forest boss Vitor Pereira satisfied with battling point against Aston Villa

Aston Villa could well feel short-changed after going ahead through an own goal by Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, while they squandered multiple chances during the second period to claim full spoils once Neco Williams levelled matters for the home team.

Improved accuracy in front of goal would have seen Villa secure a solid victory, though for Nottingham Forest manager Vitor Pereira, this represents further advancement in their efforts to steer clear of the bottom three, leaving them three points above the relegation places.

"It was a good point in a difficult game against a very difficult opponent," Pereira told Sky Sports. "In the end, one point I think is a good result.

"Villa is a team not easy to control. They create some problems, you try to face the problems and create our own chances. Three points would be better than one. We try, but were facing a strong team and in the end we are five games without losing (in all competitions)."

Pereira also got a boost by having forward Chris Wood return from injury for his initial Premier League outing since October.

"His experience, quality, scoring goals, he smells the goals in the box. His physical and mental condition, he has the ability to help us," Pereira said.

Aston Villa stopper Marco Bizot was unaware of his starting role until the usual first-choice Emiliano Martinez had to withdraw during the warm-up, and he expressed frustration over failing to earn the victory.

"I have no idea what happened, I noticed that Emi went inside and the goalkeeper coach came to me and told me to prepare for the game 25 minutes before," Bizot said.

"We came here for a win of course, we tried everything in our power to take it, but unfortunately we end up with one point. It's not enough.

"We tried to push through but it was difficult. They had a few moments. We played well before the (Villa) goal and afterwards our energy went down and they got strength to push and score.

"We had the opportunities to score a second goal but it (the ball) needs to go in. We should have taken three points."