Former Aston Villa striker highlights three ‘outstanding players’ in Nottingham Forest win

Stan Collymore singled out Douglas Luiz, Leon Bailey and John McGinn for praise following Aston Villa’s 4-2 win over Nottingham Forest.

What appeared to be a routine afternoon for Unai Emery’s men almost turned into a disaster as Villa almost surrendered a three-goal advantage. Ollie Watkins and a Douglas Luiz brace put the hosts into a commanding position before Forest fought back.

Quick-fire strikes from Moussa Niakhate and Morgan Gibbs-White sent shockwaves around Villa Park until Leon Bailey netted on the hour mark to restore the two-goal lead. Results elsewhere meant Aston Villa opened up a five-point cushion on fourth spot.

While Tottenham Hotspur have a weekend off, Manchester United were stunned 2-1 at home by Fulham. Few expected the Red Devils to taste defeat given their five-game winning streak but another hiccup presented an opportunity for Villa - and they seized it with both hands.

United are now eight points behind Villa and travel to local rivals Manchester City next weekend. As far as the Premier League is concerned, a trip to Luton Town is up for Emery’s men before a mammoth clash against Spurs.

Speaking after the win over Forest, former Villa and Forest man Collymore highlighted three players as “outstanding” earlier today. He posted on social media: “Great performance with Luiz, Bailey and McGinn outstanding. Credit to Forest, from nowhere could have got to 3-3 in the blink of an eye. Safe travels home, Trickies, we’ll meet again at Villa Park and the City Ground next season. Count on it.”