Overview
- Ollie Watkins struck on the cusp of half-time and John McGinn scored twice in the second half, with Morgan Gibbs-White replying for Forest before McGinn capitalised on a goalkeeper error.
- Unai Emery made four changes from the Arsenal defeat, recalling Matty Cash, Ian Maatsen, Boubacar Kamara and McGinn, with Amadou Onana confirmed out for several weeks.
- The victory lifts Villa to 42 points, three behind leaders Arsenal and one ahead of Manchester City pending later weekend fixtures.
- Sean Dyche omitted Callum Hudson-Odoi due to a knock as Ola Aina returned from injury; Forest remain 17th, four points above the relegation zone.
- Villa have now won 11 straight at home since August, delivering on pre-match odds that had them clear favourites.