Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest LIVE: Premier League result and reaction as Leon Bailey scores in goalfest
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The 2023/24 Premier League season is under way and you can follow every game and every goal right here with The Independent.
Aston Villa host Nottingham Forest at Villa Park, with the two teams fighting at very different ends of the Premier League table. Villa sit fourth and are still pushing for a Champions League place, despite some uneven recent form, while Forest find themselves in a relegation battle - though beating West Ham last time out eases some of those fears.
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Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
Although goals either side of half-time briefly threatened an improbable Nottingham Forest fightback, Aston Villa capitalise on a three-goal advantage to win 4-2 at Villa Park and boost their hopes of a top-four finish. Moving further clear of Manchester United and Tottenham in that respect, Unai Emery's side took control through an early Watkins strike and a Douglas Luiz double, before Forest reduced their deficit via Niakhate and Gibbs-White. The visitors then threatened to equalise on a couple of occasions, but Bailey's close-range finish effectively secured maximum points for the Villans, who halt a three-game losing streak on home turf. Aiming to build on back-to-back wins, Villa visit Luton Town next Saturday, while relegation-threatened Forest have no time to fret: in the upcoming week, Nuno's men must face Manchester United and Liverpool in the FA Cup and Premier League respectively.
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
FULL-TIME: ASTON VILLA 4-2 NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
Forest are left exposed, having pressed forward in numbers, and at the end of a rapid counter, Diaby's low cross from the right is received by Zaniolo. The Italian lays it off for fellow substitute Rogers, who sees his shot blocked behind for a corner.
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
In the first of at least four stoppage-time minutes, Nottingham Forest are in the ascendancy, with Villa dropping back to defend the edge of their area. Emery will now run down the clock with a couple of late substitutions.
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
Substitution Oliver George Arthur Watkins Morgan Elliot Rogers
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
Substitution Leon Patrick Bailey Butler Moussa Diaby
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
Danilo lofts a searching ball into the box, but Chambers manages to get his head on it, allowing Martinez to come off his line and claim it without any trouble. Time is running out for Forest to find two goals before the final whistle.
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
Finally, Forest's challenge seems to have run out of steam. There is a noticeable drop in tempo, as it appears Aston Villa will be collecting maximum points today, ending their three-match losing streak at Villa Park.
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
Douglas Luiz sees his centrally-placed free-kick deflected behind for a corner, which is cleared away to safety. Then a second corner-kick ends with Watkins driving a hopeful shot high over the crossbar.
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
After Bailey has a shot blocked on the right side of the area, the ball falls for McGinn, just over 20 yards out. As Villa's skipper seems set to shoot, Hudson-Odoi tugs him back - it's another inviting free-kick for the hosts.
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