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Villa boss Emery: We must improve away from home

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery admits they have to work out how to perform against certain teams.

The Midlands club have been hugely impressive this season, but were beaten at the weekend by Nottingham Forest.

After losing 2-0 to Forest, Emery was asked about the problems they posed.

He told reporters post-game: "The were playing at home, they needed the points and they were excited when they scored the first goal. They were defending very deep, but they were strong and committed. When we conceded goals in the first half and in the second, of course, for them it was very important to keep the result and to be positive defending.

"Our opportunity in the game was after conceding, creating chances, taking corners and we did that, but we didn't score. The second half was more difficult after the goal. We were pushing and we were trying. We didn't score today, and of course, if we want to be after the top seven teams and in the possibilities to get those positions, we have to try to reduce the mistakes we made today."

He then added on teams playing deep against them: "I know to play at home for us is amazing and it's been brilliant. To play away, the opponent feels the same and try and connect with their supporters.

"When we concede the first goal, they were increasing the emotional moment trying to take the energy and trying to keep the result.

"That's the most important for us, to try and increase our level away. How? Reduce our mistakes and be strong defensively and try to impose our qualities and skills.

"Today we made mistakes but for 80 minutes had the control of the game with good positioning and good progress on the pitch. In the end we created chances."

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Ansser Sadiq

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