Nottingham Forest finally secured their first Premier League victory of the 2026/27 season after producing a dramatic second-half comeback to defeat Aston Villa 2-1 at Villa Park on Saturday.
The result was a major boost for Oliver Glasner’s side, who had entered the contest still searching for their first league win of the campaign. For Aston Villa, however, the defeat added to a difficult start to the season and left Unai Emery’s side still without a Premier League victory.
The game burst into life after the interval, with all three goals arriving in an entertaining second half.
Forest took the lead just 45 seconds after half-time, with new signing Liam Delap announcing himself in spectacular fashion.
The former Chelsea striker received the ball after Forest won possession, showed strength and composure to work his way past the Villa defence before unleashing a powerful right-footed effort from around 25 yards that flew beyond goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
It was Delap’s first Premier League goal for Nottingham Forest, and it immediately justified the club’s significant investment in the forward during the summer transfer window.
The goal was particularly damaging for Villa because it came after they had enjoyed promising moments during the opening half.
Villa had one of their best opportunities before the break when defender Victor Lindelof found himself involved in a bizarre sequence inside the Forest penalty area. Matz Sels made an important save with his feet before the ball struck the post, while Lindelof then saw his follow-up effort hit the Forest goalkeeper.
Forest nearly doubled their advantage when Delap found the net again, but the effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR check.
Aston Villa refused to surrender, and their persistence eventually paid off in the 74th minute.
The equaliser came from Alysson, who scored his first Premier League goal for the club after finding space inside the Forest penalty area.
Villa captain John McGinn provided the assist, delivering a clever cross from the left following a short-corner routine. Alysson escaped his marker and produced a downward header that left Sels with little chance.
At 1-1, Villa Park suddenly sensed a possible turnaround.
Emery introduced Ibrahim Mbaye and Johan Manzambi in an attempt to inject fresh energy into the attack, while Forest looked to regain control through their own substitutions and attacking movement.
But Forest refused to settle for a point.
Glasner introduced Igor Jesus, and the Brazilian striker would ultimately become the hero of the afternoon.
Forest increased the pressure late in the match, with Suzuki producing important saves to keep Villa alive. The goalkeeper denied Daniel Muñoz from close range before also stopping a header from Xaver Schlager.
Then, in the 88th minute, Forest found the winning goal.
The move began with Daniel Muñoz, who combined with Morgan Gibbs-White before the Forest captain produced a brilliant backheel that opened up the Villa defence.
Igor Jesus read the move perfectly, collected the ball and calmly rolled his finish beyond Suzuki to make it Aston Villa 1-2 Nottingham Forest.
The goal sent the Forest bench and travelling supporters into wild celebrations.
Villa attempted to respond during the closing stages, but Forest defended their advantage and held on through five minutes of added time.
The victory was particularly significant for Glasner, who once again demonstrated his ability to frustrate Emery. Forest were organised, aggressive and dangerous when attacking quickly, while their summer additions played important roles.
Delap was arguably the standout performer, combining physical strength with direct running and providing Villa’s defence with a constant problem. His first Forest goal will also give him confidence heading into the next round of fixtures.
For Aston Villa, the defeat raises further questions about their early-season form. Despite creating opportunities and finding their first league goal of the campaign through Alysson, they struggled to maintain control when Forest increased the pressure late on.
Villa remain without a Premier League victory after four matches, while Forest can finally celebrate three valuable points.
The final score at Villa Park was Aston Villa 1-2 Nottingham Forest, with Liam Delap scoring in the 46th minute, Alysson equalising in the 74th minute from John McGinn’s assist, and Igor Jesus sealing Forest’s victory in the 88th minute after a superb move involving Morgan Gibbs-White and Daniel Muñoz.
