Overview
- John McGinn struck twice in the second half, including a finish into an empty net after keeper John Victor ventured upfield.
- Ollie Watkins put Villa ahead in first-half stoppage time with his fourth goal in three games.
- The 3-1 victory moved Villa to 42 points and into second, one ahead of Manchester City, who hold a game in hand.
- Morgan Gibbs-White pulled one back for Forest, who suffered a fourth straight defeat and sit 17th.
- Arsenal later won 3-2 at Bournemouth to keep a six-point cushion at the top, while Manchester City face Chelsea on Sunday with a chance to reclaim second.