---
title: "Aston Villa: Watkins, Cash and Luiz struggle vs Forest"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/aston-villa-watkins-cash-and-luiz-struggle-vs-forest/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2022-10-11T08:35:19Z"
modified: "2022-10-11T08:35:19Z"
---

# Aston Villa: Watkins, Cash and Luiz struggle vs Forest

**[Aston Villa](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/aston-villa-news/) failed to record a first away win of the season against Nottingham Forest on Monday, missing the chance to go into the top half of the [Premier League](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-news/) in the process.**

Steven Gerrard’s side once again struggled to create in the final third, with Ashley Young’s long-range effort cancelling out Emmanuel Dennis’ opener for the hosts.

*The Transfer Tavern* have used statistical experts [SofaScore](https://www.sofascore.com/aston-villa-nottingham-forest/osP) to analyse who Villa’s three worst outfield performers were on the day to have featured for at least 60 minutes – could these players be fearing for their jobs once everyone is fit and fighting for places?

[Aston Villa latest updates!](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/aston-villa-latest-updates-copy/)

### Ollie Watkins – 6.5/10

Watkins actually ranked in as Villa’s worst outfield starter, registering just one shot all game.

The centre-forward lost the ball on 14 occasions, was second-best in eight of his 12 duels and didn’t complete a single dribble. He also committed one foul and failed to attempt a cross or long ball. In fact, the late introduction of Cameron Archer seemed to add more spark than the former Brentford man provided all evening.

### Matty Cash – 6.7/10

Cash returned to the side following a hamstring problem and ended with a 6.7/10 rating.

The right-back lost five of his nine duels and gave possession away a whopping 17 times. He also failed to complete an accurate cross from four attempts and made two fouls, struggling to impact the game on either side of the ball.

### Douglas Luiz – 6.8/10

Last up is Luiz, who was the only central midfielder to play the entirety of the game.

The Brazilian lost nine of his 12 duels and somehow avoided a booking after committing five fouls. He also lost possession 16 times and completed just one of his seven attempted long balls, a big reason why Villa were unable to spring successful attacks from deep.