Aston Villa boss Gerrard claims Dennis wasn't fouled for the free-kick leading up to his goal 

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard has insisted that Tyrone Mings did not foul Emmanuel Dennis for the free-kick leading up to the goal scored by the Nigeria international during his side's 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest on Monday night.

Television images during and after the game proved beyond doubt that the Aston Villa central defender shoved Dennis to the turf to prevent the striker from going past him. 

From the resultant free-kick, the Super Eagles star capitalized on some poor marking by the Villa defence to head in Morgan Gibbs-White's delivery into the box. 

Aston Villa responded seven minutes later as Ashley Young fired into the bottom corner from 25 yards out to make it 1-1. 

Speaking post-match, Gerrard was quoted as saying by BBC : "It wasn't a foul [for the free-kick leading up to the goal]. Tyrone Mings got a clear contact on the ball but saying that we still have to defend the set piece better.

"It was a fantastic strike and it was one of a few moments of quality in the final third. Ashley [Young] is leading by example for us at the moment and we are really pleased with him."

Dennis has scored three goals in three appearances against Aston Villa, more than against any other team in England. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit : nottinghamforest.co.uk

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