Nottingham Forest missed the chance to close the gap on Arsenal in the race for second place in the English Premier League after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, while the Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw against Everton.

In Saturday's 31st-round match, Aston Villa, playing at home, took an early lead in the 13th minute through English midfielder Morgan Rogers. Just two minutes later, Dutch winger Donnel Malen doubled the hosts' advantage.

Portuguese striker Jota Silva pulled one back for Forest in the 57th minute, but all their attempts to find an equalizer proved unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, Arsenal had to settle for a 1-1 draw in their away match against Everton, similarly wasting an opportunity to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool, who will visit Fulham on Sunday hoping to secure all three points.

With these results:

• Arsenal moved to 62 points, remaining 11 points behind leaders Liverpool

• Nottingham Forest stayed on 57 points

• Aston Villa temporarily climbed to sixth place with 51 points

• Everton maintained their 14th position with 35 points