EPL: Aina’s magic sees Nottingham Forest past Aston Villa

Super Eagles defender Ola Aina scored a beautiful belter for Nottingham Forest to help them claim a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Aston Villa.

Aina got a starting shirt when Nottingham Forest welcomed Aston Villa to City Ground for their Premier League fixture. Also, despite doubts about his fitness, Taiwo Awoniyi was on the starting lineup for the Tricky Trees.

Steve Cooper’s men were in a poor run of form, failing to win any of their last five games as opposed to their opponents, who had won four of their last five.

However, Nottingham Forest got a dream start, as they got into the lead after just five minutes. Aina received a beautiful layoff from Harry Toffolo just outside the Aston Villa area. The Nigerian defender then struck a beautiful belter that just crept into the bottom left of Aston Villa’s goal

Aston Villa poured men forward, hoping to get the Equalizer, but Forest held their lines perfectly, blocking everything that came their way.


Aina was very solid, giving Diaby a tough time on the left. Awoniyi had a decent game, but he did not look sharp enough.

Despite Villa’s push for the equaliser, Forest capitalised on their poor defending and got a second just two minutes into the second half courtesy of Orel Mangala.

Aston Villa dominated most of the game, but they were unable to penetrate the Nottingham Forest backline, which stood astute the entire afternoon.

Awoniyi was taken off in the 82nd minute for Danilo, while Aina was taken off for Neco Williams in the 86th. Nottingham Forest eventually saw out their 2-0 lead.