A solitary point from a Midlands derby against Nottingham Forest is a frustrating result at the best of times. In the final stretch of a season with so much on the line, those missed chances in front of goal feel particularly costly for Aston Villa.

As the games dwindle, finding their attacking rhythm becomes more urgent. Since January, Villa have scored more than once in just three Premier League matches. While their European story has offered brighter moments, unlocking their full potential in the final third remains a key challenge for Unai Emery.

Every scuppered opportunity now feels symbolic of a larger narrative. The club's trophy drought stretches back to 1996, a three-decade wait that hangs over one of England's most historic clubs. This context makes a potential Europa League triumph more than just silverware; it's a chance to re-establish Villa among the elite.

This is a squad with a point to prove. For players who have been on the journey since the Dean Smith era and for those yet to lift a major senior trophy, the incentive is immense. The final handful of games represent a golden opportunity to cement new names in Aston Villa folklore and finally end the long wait for glory.