Anthony Elanga’s heroics in the final minutes helped Nottingham Forest upset Aston Villa 2-1 in an exciting match. Both clubs started the encounter with the objective of improving their status in the UEFA Champions League. Jhon Duran, who took Ollie Watkins’ position, headed home John McGinn’s cross to end the scoreless game.
In the 82nd minute, Chris Wood believed he had given Forest the equalizer, but VAR disallowed his attempt because Elanga had been offside during the buildup. Unfazed, Forest persisted in their attack and equalized in the 87th minute with a header from Nikola Milenkovic. Emiliano Martinez managed to get his hands on the ball, but it over the line.
Forest’s comeback was completed by Elanga four minutes into stoppage time. Elanga was able to sidefoot home after Elliot Anderson deflected a cross from the left after intercepting Matty Cash. With 28 points from this win, Forest now leads Manchester City in the Premier League standings.
In the history of the Premier League, Aston Villa has now given up 25 game-winning goals in or after the 90th minute. The only team that permits more of these goals is Tottenham. This was Villa’s most recent lead loss since they had been ahead till the very end of their November 2019 match against Liverpool.
Their triumph was a major accomplishment because Nottingham Forest had their greatest start to a top-flight season since 1994–95, when they finished third with 28 points after 16 games. By coming back from a deficit so late in the game, the squad shown resiliency.
As Forest gets ready to play Brentford on Saturday, the win sets up an exciting showdown. They want to keep up their strong play and hold onto their spot near the top of the table now that momentum is on their favor.
