By Mark Smith

8th Oct, 2022 | 10:10am

View: It's time for Aston Villa to unleash Cameron Archer v Nottingham Forest

Aston Villa go into their Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest unbeaten in their previous three games, but that doesn’t tell the whole picture.

Finding the back of the net has been a real issue for the Villans, with the 0-0 draw against Leeds proving that as they played virtually the whole second half against 10 men.

Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings are failing to produce, with pressure rising on Steven Gerrard to finally use Cameron Archer in the Premier League.

Gerrard didn’t react too kindly to being asked about the young striker after the game at Elland Road, but that only proves that he is feeling the pressure himself.

Archer proved during pre-season that he was a real poacher and had that finishing touch that not many just have, but he was certainly born with it.

He wasn’t allowed to leave Villa Park on loan despite the lack of opportunities so far, but now he will be banging on the door to get his chance.

It is all about having that composure, something that Watkins, despite having more experienced, seemingly lacks having played out wide as well as centrally.

Looking at the game against Brisbane Roar in pre-season, Archer gets the ball after it was fired across the box, and takes a touch rather than panicking and snatching at it.

Not only that, but with three defenders around him and the goalkeeper to beat, he calmly sends the opposing number one the wrong way and slots it into the bottom corner with ease.

That is something no one has seen from the senior options at Villa Park this season, so what is the worst that could happen by throwing Archer onto the pitch?

Even if he doesn’t start, it is time for the young striker to be unleashed from the bench at least, there is no more room for any excuses from Gerrard or Aston Villa.

In other Football Wonderkids news, Jamie Carragher says Jacob Ramsey isn’t ready for the national side yet.