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
Awoniyi hits the deck just outside Villa's area, just as he tries to reach an inviting cross from the right by Williams. He looks up in appeal towards the referee, who is already heading away in the other direction.
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
Sels again has to be alert at his near post, this time punching away a dangerous ball in from the right. That route is proving particularly fruitful for the home side during this first half.
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
Emery and Nuno both impart some wisdom to their players during the break for Watkins' treatment, but it looks as if he'll be able to continue. The game resumes.
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
The action is momentarily halted as Watkins drops to the turf clutching his back, following a challenge from Murillo. Villa's top scorer appears to be in some pain, and he will require treatment from the medics.
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
SELS SAVES! Again slipping past the leaden-footed Niakhite with ease, Bailey arrives in the Forest area, on the right, and drives a low shot at goal! It's kept out by Sels, who drops down quickly at his near post and turns the ball behind for a corner-kick!
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
Having been rocked by their fourth-minute setback, Nottingham Forest have now steadied the ship and are imposing themselves on the game much more. At the moment, Villa are quite happy to maintain possession and consolidate their advantage.
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
Following his early strike today, Watkins has been involved in 24 league goals this season, scoring 14 and assisting 10. Only Dwight Yorke in 1995-96 (27) has ever been involved in more for Aston Villa throughout a single Premier League season.
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
Forest's first sustained period of pressure inside their hosts' defensive third sees Villa pushed back, and Elanga's speed wins a free-kick on the right, following a clumsy challenge from Ramsey.
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
Yellow Card Murillo Santiago Costa dos Santos
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