Aston Villa player ratings vs Nottingham Forest: Two 9/10s but five 6s in thriller

Aston Villa survived Nottingham Forest's fightback attempt to run out 4-2 victors in a six-goal thriller at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon.

The Villans went 3-0 up within 40 minutes but made things hard for themselves by allowing Nuno Espirito Santo's side to find the net on either side of the break. Nonetheless, Unai Emery's men were clinical to outscore their opposition and claimed another vital three points to stay ahead of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in the Champions League fight.

Douglas Luiz, who has so often been the hero at Villa Park this campaign, stole the show once again with a brace in the first half. The Brazilian netted his eighth and ninth of the season in all competitions – numbers seven and eight at home in the Premier League – to send the men in claret and blue on their way. Leon Bailey was also terrific as he scored Villa's fourth and assisted Ollie Watkins' opener, while John McGinn got heavily involved to win the majority of his midfield duels and play some excellently weighted passes.

The Villans took their lead in merely the fourth minute, setting the tone almost immediately. McGinn threaded an excellent pass down the right for Bailey to chop inside before he beat two and crossed low to Ollie Watkins. All the England international had to do was sweep the ball in with ease beyond Matz Sels for 1-0. The credit has to go to Bailey for his brilliant skill, including a nutmeg, to create space in the area.

Villa piled on the pressure after their opener, with Forest hardly having a look-in apart from the odd half-chance on the counter. Watkins had a chance to make it two to the good in the 10th minute as he struck hard and low but Moussa Niakhate was there to hack the ball away off the line. Then it was Bailey, set up by Youri Tielemans, who tested Sels with a powerful near-post drive.

A deserved second goal followed, scored by Luiz. It came from some terrific build-up play on the right, started by Bailey with a through ball to Matty Cash. Jacob Ramsey, who was found superbly by Cash, composed himself nicely to filter it to Luiz to score. It was a well-taken first-time finish from the Brazilian, who struck cleanly on the inside of his right foot.

Luiz netted his second of the game before half time to make it 3-0 to Villa. Cash switched it across to McGinn, who turned inside and out before curling an excellent cross to the near post for Luiz to nod into the top corner. The three-goal advantage didn't last into the break, though, as Forest claimed one back. Morgan Gibbs-White's deep corner found Taiwo Awoniyi and the striker headed the ball across the six-yard box for Niakhate to cleverly convert off his chest for 3-1.

There was a clear audible groan immediately after the interval as it was announced Pau Torres was being replaced by Calum Chambers. Just minutes afterward, that discontent heightened even further - at least for the home support - as Forest scored again to make it 3-2. Substitute Divock Origi's clever pass through the legs of Clement Lenglet found Gibbs-White, who had only Emiliano Martinez to beat. The finish was superb as the attacking midfielder dinked the ball deftly over Martinez, who decided to dive low.

Tielemans had a glorious chance to settle the nerves a few minutes later as he struck first time from a low Alex Moreno cross, but the Belgian was denied by the outside of the left post. Another opening was formed a few phases of play after, though, as Tielemans intercepted a failed clearance on the edge of the area, found Watkins in the channel and the striker's shot was deflected into the path of Bailey to tap home for 4-2. The Jamaican now has eight goals and eight assists in the Premier League this season.

The tempo of the game settled down somewhat after the sixth net bulge of the afternoon but if either side was to score it was going to be Villa. Cash had a good chance on the edge of the box but he shot well over the bar, while late substitute Morgan Rogers nearly had a Villa Park debut to remember but was denied by a Sels save. The cheer at the final whistle was one of both jubilation and relief as Villa move eight points clear of Man Utd and five ahead of Tottenham.

Aston Villa player ratings vs Nottingham Forest

Here's how BirminghamWorld reporter Charlie Haffenden rated the Villa players in the 4-2 win over Nottingham Forest.

Emiliano Martinez - 6

Dinked a little easily for Gibbs-White’s goal but made one good save to deny Hudson-Odoi. Couldn’t do much about Awoniyi’s header as it was at close range.

Matty Cash - 7

Caught sleeping a little as he played Gibbs-White onside for Forest’s second goal. It was a shame as he’d played well before hand, putting a pinpoint ball inside to Ramsey before Luiz’s first goal and making a great switch to McGinn ahead of the Luiz’s second.

Clement Lenglet - 6

Pressed up to try and stop Origi’s assist to Gibbs-White but didn’t put enough effort into the tackle attempt, which was disappointing. Displayed some good composure passing out from the back throughout.

Pau Torres - 7 (off at HT)

As strong and confident as ever both on and off the ball. Hardly looked fazed by Awoniyi’s physicality. Taken off at the break, presumably as a precaution.

Alex Moreno - 6 (off 59’)

Should’ve had an assist for the cutback to Tielemans before the midfielder hit the post. Booked for what was basically a rugby tackle on Neco Williams. Replaced by Lucas Digne before the hour mark.

Douglas Luiz - 8

Scored twice in the first half to propel Villa; both finishes were clinical. The first was a first-time lofted strike and the second was a first-time header into the near top corner. Gave the ball away more than he would’ve liked in the second half, though, as he saw his performance levels drop.

John McGinn - 9

Absolutely dominated proceedings in midfield as he popped up nearly everywhere to win back possession and create chances. Notched a great assist for Luiz’s header with a pinpoint cross, too.

Jacob Ramsey - 7

Assisted Luiz’s first goal with some great composure to pass lightly into the danger zone. Deserved it, too, as he was a danger driving down the left and through the centre. Did give the ball away cheaply two or three times, however, and skied a couple of long shots.

Leon Bailey - 9 (off 90+1’)

An absolutely outstanding assist for Watkins’ opener as he beat two, including one with a nutmeg, before picking out the striker with an accurate low cross. Scored one of his easiest goals of the season with a tap-in for 4-2. Thoroughly deserved both goal involvements as he was a threat all day.

Youri Tielemans - 8 (off 81’)

Worked well to dribble out of tight spaces throughout and created two brilliant chances, one for Bailey and another for Watkins. Unlucky to hit the post in second half. 

Ollie Watkins - 8 (off 90+1’)

Scored one of his easiest goals of the season in terms of the finish itself but it still required some top positioning and timing of run. Displayed strong hold-up play as always and was involved in Villa’s fourth, seeing his shot saved before Bailey tapped it home.

Subs:

Calum Chambers - 6 (on at HT)

Caught watching within minutes of coming on as Gibbs-White was able to glide in behind to score. Sured up afterward, though, as he looked solid to hold onto the 4-2 lead.

Lucas Digne - 7 (on 59’)

Looked a threat down the left as he showed off a range of cross types, as expected. Still getting up to speed following his injury.

Nicolo Zaniolo - 6 (on 81’)

The Italian created a good chance for Rogers in added time.

Morgan Rogers - N/A (on 90+1’)

Nearly scored on his brief Villa Park debut as he saw a late shot saved.

Moussa Diaby - N/A (on 90+1’)

A very short appearance but a good run down the right to start an attack.