Nottingham Forest secured their first Premier League victory under Oliver Glasner after beating Aston Villa 2-1 in a dramatic encounter at Villa Park.
The win, Forest’s first under Glasner at the fifth attempt, also ended their long wait for an away victory over Villa in any competition, with their previous success dating back to 1994.
Villa started brightly and almost took the lead inside seven minutes when Victor Lindelöf volleyed towards goal following a poorly cleared corner. Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels produced an excellent close-range save to deny the Swedish defender.
The opening half was otherwise short on opportunities, with both teams struggling to create clear chances. Villa’s afternoon was made more difficult when Pau Torres was forced off with an injury after 25 minutes.
Forest made the breakthrough shortly after half-time through Liam Delap. The summer signing collected the ball about 25 yards from goal before driving forward and unleashing a powerful low shot into the bottom-left corner, giving goalkeeper Zion Suzuki no chance.
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The visitors continued to dominate and came close to doubling their advantage when Dan Ndoye headed narrowly over the crossbar. Delap thought he had scored his second soon afterwards, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Unai Emery responded by introducing Johan Manzambi and Ibrahim Mbaye, and the changes helped Villa regain control of the contest. Their pressure eventually paid off when substitute Alysson headed John McGinn’s cross into the bottom-right corner to score Villa’s first Premier League goal of the season.
However, Forest refused to settle for a point. Villa were reduced to 10 men after Ian Maatsen went off injured after Emery had used all his substitutes, leaving the hosts unable to replace him.
Forest took advantage late in the match when substitute Igor Jesus converted Morgan Gibbs-White’s cutback to restore the visitors’ lead and secure his first goal of the season.
The result lifts Forest’s hopes after a difficult start under Glasner, while Villa remain in the relegation zone following a third consecutive home defeat. Glasner also maintained his unbeaten managerial record against Villa, having now avoided defeat in all eight meetings with the club.
