NOTTINGHAM: Aston Villa's manager Unai Emery acknowledged Nottingham Forest as the rivals in the top-four race of this year's Premier League following their 2-1 victory here at the City Ground on Saturday.
Anthony Elanga's late winner at the City Ground moved Forest up to fourth in the Premier League on 28 points, three points ahead of Villa in sixth, and only two points behind Arsenal in third.
"We are in the process and we have to understand it ... we were on 25 points with Nottingham Forest. They're our rival now," Emery told reporters.
"Of course, being under pressure is more difficult, and this is the process we have to try to learn, and experiences we have to try to take ... we lost a very good opportunity today. Try to be more consistent in the table."
Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo said he was proud of the way the team fought late in the game to secure the win.
"The last 15 minutes were crazy. It's not about football any more. It's about desire, belief ... stressful for me, but very happy, very proud," he said.
Villa, who finished fourth last season under Emery, next host defending champions Manchester City on Dec. 21 while Forest visit Brentford the same day.
"Let's enjoy our journey together," Nuno added. "We (have) achieved nothing yet. Nothing, nothing, nothing."
