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
Jamie Redknapp and Lee Hendrie were both left astounded after watching back Emiliano Martinez’s incredible reflex save
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 victory at Man Utd.
Nuno: It’s a huge moment
Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo speaking to Sky Sports:
“It is a big moment. It is a huge moment. After the team went down the reaction was good. VAR overturned the game and we thought it was game over. This match was incredible. The players gave everything and had a desire to go beyond football.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Elanga scores the winner for Forest
“The fans were a big part in the game today. They helped the team and it goes beyond football, moments like this. It is about the heart and desire of the boys.
“We try and try every day to build something nice that we can identify with the club, the city. It is an important moment that we feel when things go against you and you react, that is what I appreciate the most.”
Emery: We completely lost control in last 20 minutes
Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery speaking to Sky Sports:
“We played 90 minutes more or less as we planned. In the first 70 minutes, we were controlling and kept the ball in possession. Nottingham Forest are very aggressive in attack. We lost control completely in the final 20 minutes because they started pushing more and made some changes.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Jhon Duran gave Villa a second-half lead
“We had to be consistent with the ball. We had to keep the possession and should have tried to attack and score the second goal.
“But of course it is a process. We are in a process. We will analyse the first 70 minutes and also the last 20 minutes and where we have to improve the team is very clear to me.”
On the Rogers penalty incident: “I can’t tell something about the referee and the penalty.”
