Forest in Fourth Following Fearless Villa Comeback

Villa in Control

Chris Wood sprinted off into the corner of the City Ground, celebrating with the fans after scoring what he, what everybody, thought was an equalising goal, to set up a thrilling finale in the match with Aston Villa.

But it wasn't to be, three (!) agonising minutes later, after a prolonged VAR check, the goal was chalked off for the minutest of offsides against Forest winger Elanga, who was disappointed not to have scored.

Prior to the 81st - 85th minute drawing-line shenanigans, Villa had been in control of the game. Forest had had chances, but Villa appeared the favourites, not necessarily cruising, but determined to hold on to their one goal lead. That was thanks to Jhon Duran's remarkable flick over Matz Sels, which left Forest's Belgian goalkeeper rooted to the spot with no chance of saving the shot.

The stats will tell you Forest outperformed Villa with more possesion, passes and shots, but aesthetically Villa seemed to be bossing it, even away at the City Ground, in front of over 30,000 noisy fans.

A Tale of Two Wingers

The two young men were potential shouts for player of the afternoon on the evening, and will also want to portray themselves as among the best at their club this season. One down Forest's left, the other down Villa's right, the occasional tussles between the two were monumental and displayed the passion both young English wingers behold. It is highly likely incoming England manager, Thomas Tuchel, will be keeping very close eye on the pair of them (Elliot Anderson too, has excelled this season for Forest). Although Hudson-Odoi created chance after chance for Forest, driving at Konsa whenever possible, it was the Villa man who may have changed the outcome of the game, claiming for a penalty after his arm was dragged back by the brazen Anderson. The decision was contentious and may be argued about for weeks to come (by Villa fans), but the fact of the matter is, due to Rogers' pull of Anderson's shirt, directly before the incident the other way, this was certainly not a clear and obvious error by referee, Sam Barrott.

Forest Find a Way

The two sides were locked together during the first 45 minutes, with the simmering tie, threatening to boil over. However, the only notable incident of the first half was the penalty shout for Rogers.

Lucas Digne and John McGinn had combined well during the first half, creating chances together and causing an overload which was often difficult for Ola Aina. Nuno's tactical decision to begin with Dominguez as a right-sided midfielder as opposed to a more attack-minded winger such as Elanga or Jota Silva, played dividends for Forest, but even the Argentine's presence was not enough to prevent a combination play between the two Villa men, culminating in a Jhon Duran headed goal.

Williams among others led the Forest charge, firing shot after shot at (the man considered as the world's best goalkeeper: ) Emi Martinez. Martinez produced one of the best saves ever. The Villa man clawed a header off the line, when the ball was already beyond him and creeping into the net.

Football being football, Martinez was responsible for dropping a simple catch from a Milenkovic header; Forest equalising with two minutes remaining of normal time.

The scores tied at 1-1, both sides were desperate for a win, especially as the three points would propel the winning team ahead of Manchester City into fourth place in the Premier League. Seven minutes were added on and Forest kept up the momentum they had accrued after their equalising goal, plugging away at Villa's defence, and forcing errors. Elliot Anderson picked the pocket of Matty Cash - many will argue through illegal means - but then spectacularly drove his way into the box to pick out the incoming Anthony Elanga, who placed the ball through Martinez's legs, and ran off to celebrate. Forest kept their defensive structure strong, and secured the victory.

The credit has to go to Reds' boss Nuno. His brilliant tactics on the day overcame those of his opponent, the man from the opposite end of the Iberian peninsula. Summer-signing Morato, is yet to start in the league, but his nine substitute appearances have brought strength, resolve and grit to Forest's defensive line, whether Nuno opts for 4 or 5 at the back. Morato incidentally, was the man who intially won the ball for Forest, to (literally) kick-start the attack from which Forest scored their late winner.

Before Sunday's Manchester derby, Forest occupied fourth place in the Premier League, and fans will be forgiven for dreaming of European competitions, and wondering how high their side can go.

Nuno is giving nothing away though, remaining calm on the sidelines and promising he is not focusing on Forest's league position. Whatever he says, Forest fans have good reason to be excited and for the red side of Nottingham, the sky is truly the limit.