Douglas Luiz showcased his attacking prowess with two goals as Aston Villa delivered an impressive performance to secure a vital victory against Nottingham Forest at Villa Park. The home side got off to a flying start as Ollie Watkins netted his 14th Premier League goal of the season in the fourth minute, capitalizing on a fantastic assist from Leon Bailey down the right flank.
Luiz doubled Villa’s lead with two quick-fire goals within a span of 10 minutes. His first came in the 29th minute as he calmly slotted home a precise cut-back from Jacob Ramsey. The Brazilian midfielder then extended Villa’s advantage by heading in John McGinn’s cross from the right wing.
Despite Moussa Niakhate pulling one back for Forest with a chested finish just before halftime, Villa continued to assert their dominance after the break. Morgan Gibbs-White restored Villa’s two-goal cushion early in the second half with a deft finish over the onrushing goalkeeper.
Bailey sealed the victory for Villa by tapping into an empty net after Watkins’ initial effort was saved, following a defensive error from Forest deep in their own half. The result sees Villa maintain their position in fourth place, extending their lead over fifth-placed Tottenham, who are not in action this weekend.
Villa’s Home Form Key to Champions League Aspirations
Aston Villa’s impressive home form has been instrumental in their pursuit of a top-four finish and potential title contention. Prior to this victory, Villa had gone unbeaten in 17 consecutive home games, winning 16 of them. However, their recent slight dip in form, marked by consecutive defeats to Newcastle and Manchester United, raised questions about their ability to sustain their challenge.
The win against Forest showcased Villa’s attacking prowess, particularly down the right wing where Bailey and Watkins wreaked havoc. The combination play between Bailey, Watkins, Luiz, and Ramsey was a highlight of Villa’s scintillating attacking display, which saw them score three goals in the first half alone.
While Villa’s defensive solidity was tested on occasions, with Forest managing to breach their backline, manager Unai Emery will be pleased with the gap his side has opened up over their rivals in the race for European qualification. As they prepare for Europa Conference League football in the coming weeks, maintaining their home form will be crucial for Villa to achieve their Champions League aspirations.
