Premier League GW11 - Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa

Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa | Picture Credits: Getty Images

At the legendary City Ground, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa engaged in an exciting Premier League match. After going six games without a victory, Nottingham Forest was looking for a much-needed victory, while Aston Villa wanted to keep up their strong league play.

Nottingham Forest's Struggles:

Nottingham Forest had enjoyed a successful start to the season, defeating Chelsea in an incredible fashion. Their performance had declined recently, though, with just two losses coming against major rivals Liverpool and Manchester City. It was vital for them to turn things around because they had lost important points to recently promoted teams like Burnley and Luton Town.

Aston Villa's Impressive Run:

Under Unai Emery's direction, Aston Villa was having an incredible season. Since losing to Liverpool, they had won five of their previous six Premier League games. Their goal was to win the league for the eighth time and move up to third position for the short term.

Starting Lineups:

Nottingham Forest (4-3-3):

• Goalkeeper: Odysseas Vlachodimos
  

• Defenders: Harry Toffolo, Moussa Niakhate, Murillo, Ola Aina
  

• Midfielders: Nicolas Dominguez, Orel Mangala, Ibrahim Sangare
  

• Forwards: Morgan Gibbs-White, Taiwo Awoniyi, Anthony Elanga

Nottingham Forest Subs: Matt Turner, Nuno Tavares, Neco Williams, Cheikhou Kouyate, Andrey Santos, Ryan Yates, Serge Aurier, Danilo, Willy-Arnaud Boly.

Aston Villa (4-4-2):

• Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez
  

• Defenders: Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Lucas Digne
  

• Midfielders: John McGinn, Boubacar Kamara, Douglas Luiz, Nicolo Zaniolo
  

• Forwards: Moussa Diaby, Ollie Watkins

Aston Villa Subs: Diego Carlos, Youri Tielemans, Bertrand Traore, Alex Moreno, Calum Chambers, Clement Lenglet, Robin Olsen, Leon Bailey, Leander Dendoncker.

First Half: Forest's Early Strike:

With an early goal, Nottingham Forest stunned Aston Villa, setting off pyrotechnics for the contest. Aina's spectacular shot found the bottom corner of Villa's net in the fifth minute. The opportunity was provided by Elanga's brilliant play down the left, where Aina received the ball from Toffolo and scored with a first-time effort.

Nottingham Forest had a strong first half even if there weren't many goals. In the fifteenth minute, Zaniolo headed a cross from Cash over the crossbar, which was Villa's finest opportunity.

Nottingham Forest had a well-earned 1-0 lead at the half, but Villa still had work to do.

City Ground | Picture Credits: Aston Villa Website

Second Half: Forest Double the Lead:

Villa started the second half pushing for an equaliser. Watkins missed a fantastic chance to score in the forty-sixth minute.

But in the 47th minute, Nottingham Forest doubled their lead. Martinez attempted to make a save, but Mangala's effort from the edge of the area was deflected and rolled over the line.

Aston Villa tried hard to rally, but their attempts were unsuccessful. Bailey and Watkins both missed the mark, while Vlachodimos easily stopped Diaby's shot.

Aina's spectacular shot gave Nottingham Forest an early lead | Picture Credits: Getty Images

At the City Ground, Nottingham Forest stunned Aston Villa with a 2-0 victory. With a flourish, the Tricky Trees concluded their six-game losing streak. Their lead was extended by goals from Aina and Mangala, guaranteeing them all three points. Villa's late attempts failed to alter the result.

With the victory, Nottingham Forest moved up to a more comfortable league place, and Aston Villa lost a chance to move up in the Premier League rankings. The game was just one more illustration of how unpredictable the Premier League can be.

Mangala secured 3 points for Nottingham Forset | Picture Credits: Getty Images