Head coach Unai Emery stuck with the team that defeated Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage the previous Saturday, and he was rewarded within the first four minutes as Villa surged out of the blocks.
John McGinn was given time to turn in midfield, allowing Bailey to race away down the right with a through pass. The winger’s delicate touch eliminated Murillo from the match, and he then laid the ball out for Watkins, who scored with ease from six yards out.
The hosts attacked their opponents from the start and took the lead in the fourth minute when Ollie Watkins converted Leon Bailey’s pass.
Douglas Luiz scored twice in a strong first half performance, but Forest responded in stoppage time with their first chance on goal, from Moussa Niakhaté.
The Reds made a quick start in the second half, drawing within a goal after Morg
an Gibbs-White chipped in after 48 minutes.
But Villa ended the comeback when Bailey scored his 11th goal of the season, giving his team consecutive Premier League victories.
Head coach Unai Emery stuck with the team that defeated Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage the previous Saturday, and he was rewarded within the first four minutes as Villa surged out of the blocks.
John McGinn was given time to turn in midfield, allowing Bailey to race away down the right with a through pass. Murillo was knocked out of the game by a smart touch from the winger, who then passed the ball to Watkins, who made no mistake from six yards out.
Forest were reeling, and they were only saved from going two down by a critical block by Niakhaté, who was in the right location to stop Watkins’ goalbound attempt.
The hosts were keeping the tempo steady with their measured approach, only lifting the ante when they saw an opportunity to strike. One such instance saw Villa work the ball through the thirds before Bailey’s low shot forced Matz Sels to save.
The Jamaican was engaged again shortly after, when the home team scored their second goal of the afternoon.
