Premier League result, player ratings and report after Aston Villa 3-1 Nottingham Forest.

John McGinn was the star of the show as Aston Villa kicked off 2026 with a 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest at Villa Park.

The Villans, inspired by a stunning McGinn brace and a 20-yard belter from Ollie Watkins on his 250th appearance for the club, made it 11 home victories in a row to shift back up to second place in the Premier League, at least temporarily.

It was a frustrating first half for the hosts as Forest camped deep to leave very little space for Villa to play with, and referee Simon Hooper was far from generous. Watkins eased the nerves with virtually the last kick of the half, though, firing a rocket into the top left-hand corner to earn a 1-0 lead.

McGinn doubled Villa’s advantage in the 49th minute, cushioning Matty Cash’s low cross first time into the left corner, before raising eyebrows with a bizarre celebration. There was then a twist as Morgan Gibbs-White’s 61st-minute goal, a cheeky dink over Emiliano Martinez after he beat the offside trap, halved the deficit for Forest and ramped up the tension around Villa Park.

But super John McGinn came to the rescue in peculiar fashion, sprinting onto a divine Youri Tielemans through ball and rounding John Victor, who was caught in no-man’s land. McGinn took advantage of the Forest goalkeeper’s incredibly rash decision to sprint out, finding the net from no fewer than 30 yards to make it 3-1.

It was then a routine end to the contest, and there was even time for a brief Douglas Luiz cameo. The Brazilian midfielder, a former favourite in these parts, received a warm greeting from the Villa Park faithful. All in all, it was a decent afternoon for Emery’s side to celebrate the New Year.

Goalkeeper and defence ratings

Emiliano Martinez: Made a strong save from Hutchinson in the first half and another decent stop from Gibbs-White in the second. Beaten easily one-on-one by Gibbs-White for Forest’s goal, mind. 7

Matty Cash (off 89’): Returned to the XI after suspension and had a good game, keeping Forest winger Hutchinson at bay for most of the game. Notched the assist for McGinn’s first goal with a pinpoint low cross. Swung in another couple of dangerous deliveries. 8

Ezri Konsa: Hardly fazed by Igor Jesus, Konsa had a comfortable afternoon. The England international enjoyed joining attacks regularly when Forest sat deep. 8

Victor Lindelof: Played Gibbs-White onside for Forest’s goal as he tried to catch Igor Jesus in the trap but was outwitted. Otherwise had a decent game, limiting the visitors’ threat. 6

Ian Maatsen (off 69’): Dealt well with Jesus’ runs in behind and made his fair share of interceptions. It was another strong showing from Maatsen, who will continue to keep Lucas Digne out of the XI at this rate. 7

Midfield and attack ratings

Boubacar Kamara: Dominated in the centre of the park, hardly giving Forest’s midfielders a sniff. Got heavily involved in the build-up play, too, spraying about passes with ease. 8

Youri Tielemans: Dictated the tempo throughout and completed more passes than any other player on the field. Earned an assist with a brilliant forward pass for McGinn’s second goal. 9

Emiliano Buendia (off 69’): Went close with a knuckleball free-kick attempt in the second half but was otherwise Villa’s least involved player. It was no surprise to see him taken off when he was. 5

Morgan Rogers: Assisted Watkins’ goal with a tidy pass inside and deserved it as he was the one to set up Watkins’ earlier opportunity, with a block from Williams’ attempted clearance. Went down a little too easily in the box on several occasions, though. 7

John McGinn (off 83’): Scored Villa’s pivotal second goal with a composed first-time finish into the left corner, then netted another from range, rounding the embarrassed Forest goalkeeper. Gave away possession a little more often than usual but used his centre of gravity well to spin away from Forest midfielders a few times. 9*

Ollie Watkins (off 83’): Netted a stunner on his 250th Villa appearance, setting his side on their way. His 20-yard strike made up for a huge chance he squandered just two minutes in. Watkins defended well from the front, often tracking back to win possession. 8