Nottingham Forest rise to see off in-form Aston Villa

Nottingham Forest put the brakes on Aston Villa's strong early season form with a deserved 2-0 win at the City Ground on Sunday.

A goal at the start of each half proved enough for the hosts with Ola Aina putting Forest ahead after five minutes and Orel Mangala doubling the lead just after the interval.

Villa dominated possession as they tried to get back into the game but struggled to create clear-cut openings. The defeat leaves them fifth - they had the opportunity to climb as high as third - while Forest move up to 12th in the Premier League table.

"It's a really good win. We came up against an in-form Aston Villa side with really good players," said victorious Forest boss Steve Cooper.

"We were committed to the plan and we've scored two goals from where we could create chances. Villa had a lot of the ball and we were okay with it because I never felt like we conceded any chances. Odysseas Vlachodimos made saves that he should be making. I never felt we were in danger of conceding today."

The visitors arrived at the City Ground riding high in the table and on a hot streak but Forest set about their task enthusiastically and were immediately rewarded. Anthony Elanga burst down the left and fed supporting left back Harry Toffolo. His low cross evaded everyone and eventually reached Aina who steered a firm low strike into the corner from the edge of the box.

Villa's response was unconvincing - lots of bluster and effort but a series of disjointed attacks that invariably fell apart at the key moment. Forest were happy to sit on their lead and sniff out opportunities to raid on the break.

2 - Nottingham Forest have only lost two of their last 20 home games in the Premier League (W9 D9) – since the start of October 2022,