Goals Overview
1–0 – Ollie Watkins, 45+1′, Aston Villa
2–0 – John McGinn, 49′, Aston Villa
2–1 – Morgan Gibbs-White, 61′, Nottingham Forest
3–1 – John McGinn, 73′, Aston Villa
Aston Villa delivered a commanding home performance to overcome Nottingham Forest 3–1, reinforcing their status among the Premier League’s leading contenders. From the opening whistle, Villa controlled the tempo, pressing high and moving the ball with purpose, while Forest were largely confined to defensive duties.
The breakthrough arrived on the stroke of half-time when Ollie Watkins struck in 45+1′, finishing decisively to reward Villa’s sustained pressure. The goal lifted the atmosphere inside Villa Park and gave the hosts a deserved advantage going into the interval.
Villa wasted little time extending their lead after the restart. Just four minutes into the second half, John McGinn scored in 49′, arriving late into the area and guiding his effort beyond the goalkeeper. The goal reflected Villa’s sharp start and their intent to put the match beyond doubt.
Nottingham Forest showed brief resistance when Morgan Gibbs-White reduced the deficit in 61′, injecting a moment of uncertainty into the contest. However, Villa responded with composure rather than panic, regaining control through disciplined possession and organised pressing.
The decisive moment followed in 73′, when John McGinn scored his second goal of the evening. Spotting the goalkeeper off his line, he unleashed an audacious long-range effort that sailed into the net, drawing loud acclaim from the home crowd and sealing the result.
The victory keeps Aston Villa firmly in the upper reaches of the table and underlines their consistency at home, while Nottingham Forest leave Birmingham knowing they must improve defensively to turn competitive spells into points.
