Four things we learned as Aston Villa held Nottingham Forest off to win 4-2 and remain fourth in the Premier League.
Unai Emery’s side returned to winning ways at Villa Park thanks to an exceptional first-half performance. Ollie Watkins’ early opener combined with a Douglas Luiz brace put the hosts 3-0 up.
However, a sloppy set-piece was followed by a Morgan Gibbs-White goal in the second period to make it 3-2. Leon Bailey then settled the nerves with Villa’s fourth in a stunning display from the midfielder.
Now the dust has settled, here are four things we learned from the tie as Villa made it back-to-back Premier League wins.
Leon Bailey continues to be exceptional
When the winger first joined Villa in 2021, he came with a big reputation. However, many would say it was fair to say he didn’t set the world alight in his first two seasons.
Since Emery has come into the club, Bailey has been incredible. Watkins’ goal was all down to the winger’s play. His skill and pace to get the ball into the box essentially delivered a gift to the striker. He almost got a goal himself shortly after as he forced the ‘keeper into a good save.
However, the goal would come as he settled the game after a brief comeback from Forest. After Watkins’ effort, the ball fell nicely to Bailey who slotted home and got the goal his performance deserved.
He has now got a whopping 20 goal contributions this season. Far more than any other campaign. Hopefully, he will only continue to improve.
Set pieces still an Aston Villa issue
It was a silly goal for Villa to concede right on half-time. The hosts were cruising with Forest barely able to lay a glove on them. Yet, right on the whistle, Emery’s side conceded a highly preventable goal from a set piece.
As a result, it gave Forest some much-needed confidence going into the second half which led to Gibbs-White quickly making it 3-2. All of this can be seen from originating from this set-piece with Villa really shooting themselves in the foot.
Pau Torres’ fitness is the key for Aston Villa
In the first half, Villa were by far the most dominant team. It was one of the best 45-minute performances from Emery’s side this season. Forest couldn’t lay a glove on them and only got back into the game from a set-piece to make it 3-1.
However, at half-time, Pau Torres came off and the backline looked like a different side. It took Forest mere minutes to net a second and could have easily had a third. The defence looked extremely nervous without Torres at the back.
His fitness going into the remainder of the campaign could well be key to Aston Villa’s Champions League qualification. Torres is clearly a vital player for the Birmingham side and Emery needs him fit as long as possible.
Villa Park returns to winning ways
Villa Park has been key to Villa’s success so far this season. The club broke a record after their victory over Arsenal in December as they made it 15 Premier League wins in a row at home.
However, since the turn of the year, cracks have emerged in Emery’s fortress. Going into the Forest game, Villa had lost three games in a row at home and was without a win at Villa Park in 2024.
With the side still doing the job away, the emphasis was on Villa to quickly fit this issue as they arrive at the business end of the season. And this they did, overcoming Forest and moving eight points clear of Man United in sixth.
