Aston Villa made a blistering start against Nottingham Forest, scoring twice in the opening 15 minutes to take firm control of the match and edge closer to a Champions League place. Morgan Rogers broke the deadlock with a calm finish after racing through on goal. Just two minutes later, Donyell Malen added a second by turning in a pinpoint cross from Ian Maatsen at close range.
The early goals left Forest reeling, but they began to find their rhythm as the first half wore on. Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi both came close to reducing the deficit before the break, narrowly missing the target.
Forest Fight Back in Second Half
The visitors returned after halftime with renewed energy, and their persistence paid off when substitute Jota Silva found the net in the 57th minute with a sharp turn and finish. Forest pushed hard for an equaliser, with Elliot Anderson and Neco Williams both seeing efforts go just wide.
Villa nearly restored their two-goal cushion when Rogers embarked on a dazzling solo run, forcing a strong save from Matz Sels. The closing stages were filled with drama—Murillo struck the crossbar from long range for Forest, and Sels later kept out a late chance from Marcus Rashford, who was through on goal.
Villa Hold On for Crucial Victory
Despite Forest’s growing pressure, Villa stood strong to see out a narrow but significant win. Unai Emery’s men had begun with relentless energy, and their early dominance proved just enough to carry them over the line. Rogers was instrumental throughout, and Youri Tielemans dictated play from midfield during Villa’s most dominant spells.
The result keeps Villa just one point behind Chelsea in fourth place, while Forest stay in third despite the loss. It’s been a rewarding week for the Midlands side—after sealing an FA Cup semi-final spot at Wembley with a win over Preston North End, they’ve now followed it up with league victories against Brighton and Forest. The win also sets them up well ahead of their Champions League quarter-final clash with Paris St-Germain.
