Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins paid tribute to manager Unai Emery after guiding his side into another Europa League final with a resounding win over Nottingham Forest.

Villa came into the second leg trailing to Chris Wood’s penalty last week, but a first-half goal from Watkins, Emiliano Buendia’s penalty and then John McGinn’s quickfire double turned the tie around to secure a 4-1 aggregate win.

Bundesliga outfit Freiburg now stand between Villa and their first major trophy in 30 years, but Watkins feels Emery can again prove the difference.

“There is no better manager to get us prepared for this game and obviously take us into the final as well.…