Nottingham Forest produced a stunning late comeback to beat Aston Villa 2-1 at home and move into the top four thanks to Anthony Elanga’s stoppage-time winner.
Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp labelled it a “statement win” – it took Nuno Espirito Santo’s side fourth and a point above champions Manchester City, who have a game in hand as they face Manchester United at home on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
Forest looked to be heading for defeat after Jhon Duran’s 63rd-minute headed opener, which came just three minutes after Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made “one of the greatest Premier League saves ever seen”, according to Redknapp.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez produces a ‘miraculous’ save against Forest
Forest thought they had levelled in the 81st minute through Chris Wood, but after a lengthy VAR review Elanaga was marginally offside before setting up the striker.
The home side, however, were not to be denied as Nikola Milenkovic headed in an equaliser six minutes later before Elanga completed the unlikely turnaround in the 93rd minute as he swept home from Elliot Anderson’s cross.
But there was controversy around Elanga’s winner as Villa felt Matty Cash was fouled by Anderson in the build-up before he crossed for the ex-Manchester United winger.
Unai Emery’s side were also denied a “blatant” first-half penalty, according to Redknapp, after Anderson pulled down Morgan Rogers but VAR deemed it to be a “fleeting grab with minimal impact on the attacking player”.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Jamie Redknapp believes Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers should have been awarded a penalty against Nottingham Forest in the first half of their Premier League clash
Villa’s late collapse means they missed the chance to move into the top four and sit sixth, while Forest made it back-to-back wins after last weekend’s win at Man Utd
