Villa’s victory sees them level on points with fifth-placed Manchester City, extending their impressive run to seven straight wins in all competitions. They now face a tough challenge ahead, with a Champions League clash against PSG followed by a trip to Southampton next weekend. Meanwhile, Forest remain comfortably in third place and will look to bounce back when they host Everton in their next match.

Forest struggled to break down Villa in the first half, but came alive after the break. Neco Williams was the first to test Villa’s defense, curling a shot wide when space opened up in the area, followed by Callum Hudson-Odoi missing a similar opportunity just moments later. However, Forest quickly cut Villa’s lead in half when substitute Jota Silva’s deflected effort found the bottom right corner. The momentum shifted in Forest’s favor, and they nearly equalized minutes later when Elliot Anderson’s curling shot went inches wide of the right post. Unai Emery responded with substitutions to regain control, but it was Morgan Rogers who could have restored Villa’s two-goal advantage. After a brilliant run that left two Forest defenders behind, Rogers was denied by Matz Sels. Villa shored up defensively with the changes, but still gave Forest a chance when Williams flashed an effort across goal that had Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez worried. In stoppage time, Murillo’s powerful shot rattled the crossbar, but Forest couldn’t find a way to deny Villa, who held on for the win.

Forest’s defense were caught off guard early on at Villa Park, as Villa took advantage. Youri Tielemans delivered a perfect ball for Morgan Rogers, who slotted it past Matz Sels. Villa were clinical, doubling their lead just two minutes later with Donyell Malen tapping home a wicked delivery from Ian Maatsen. Forest struggled defensively in the opening stages, but began to show some attacking threat midway through the first half, with Anthony Elanga’s mazy run ending in a shot just wide of the right post, followed by Callum Hudson-Odoi wasting a similar opportunity moments later.

90+4'

Williams delivers a corner from the right, and it drops perfectly for Gibbs-White in the box. Just as he attempts to get a shot off, Rogers is quick to react and blocks the effort. Forest are frustrated as they can’t capitalize on the late opportunity, with Villa’s defense holding firm.

90+3'

Williams wins a corner for Forest on the right after a good bit of skill to get past Maatsen. The referee points to the corner flag, and the away side now have a chance to put pressure on Villa from the set-piece.

90+2'

SAVE! Rashford shows great pace as he bursts past Milenkovic on the left, surging towards goal with only Sels to beat. The Forest goalkeeper stands his ground, making a crucial save at Rashford’s feet to deny him the chance. However, Sels isn’t finished yet, as he scrambles to claw the rebound off the line just in time, with Rashford still lurking for a follow-up.

90+1'

OFF THE CROSSBAR! Murillo, ever eager to try his luck from distance, lines up a powerful strike with his left foot. The ball swerves through the air, and Martinez is left at full stretch, watching intently as it sails over off the crossbar. It’s a close call for Villa, but the shot ultimately stays out, much to the relief of their goalkeeper.