Victor Lindelöf has not had it easy in recent seasons, both at Manchester United under various managers and at Aston Villa under Unai Emery, who has never quite believed in the Swedish full-back.

With weeks left on his contract, we think Unai Emery’s attitude has changed. – Aston Villa fans, pundits and his teammates have done so after yesterday’s second semi-final against Nottingham Forest in the Europa League.

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The manager made a tactical change, Victor Nilsson Lindelöf started as a defensive midfielder. 74 minutes later, he was substituted – to a standing ovation by an awkward Nottingham Forest. Aston Villa are ready for the Europa League final after a complete overrun at Villa Park 4 – 0.

Chris Wood scored the only goal in the first leg to put Nottingham Forest in the driver’s seat before the return. In the second leg, Unai Emery, according to the official line-up, chose to field three centre-backs.

– Played as a defensive midfielder

Lindelöf, however, did not take a place in the defensive line, but instead played as a defensive midfielder – and did so with flying colors.

In the 36th minute, Aston Villa took the lead through a bandaged Ollie Watkins, who was served an open goal after beautiful preparation by Emiliano Buendía.

Then it was Buendía’s turn to write himself into the scoresheet. The Forest centre-back fouled Pau Torres in his own penalty area, and after a VAR check, referee Glenn Nyberg pointed to the penalty mark. Buendía was ice-cold from the chalk mark and rolled in 2-0 for Aston Villa.

– Received a standing ovation

Lindelöf was substituted in the 74th minute – and was praised.

“Victor Lindelöf, who has been fantastic in an unusual position in midfield, is substituted to a standing ovation,” Sky Sports wrote in their live broadcast.

Shortly after, John McGinn filled in and sent in 3-0 for Villa. Minutes later, the Scotsman also made it 4-0.

Of course, they were a very happy manager who spoke to the press after the game.

“I’m usually pretty calm before games, but today I was nervous. Tonight’s effort was one of the best performances I’ve seen from an Aston Villa team in a very, very long time,” McGinn told TNT Sports.

“Hasn’t put a foot wrong”

The two-goal scorer also praised Lindelöf:

“Victor was outstanding. He’s been treated a bit unfairly since he signed for the club – I don’t think he’s put a foot wrong. The way he went in and adapted out there tonight was absolutely fantastic,” said the Scot.

Final 20 May

The 4-0 win at Villa Park means that Aston Villa are ready for the Europa League final on May 20. There they will face Freiburg, who beat Braga in the other semi-final.