Aston Villa delivered a commanding performance to secure a 3–1 victory against Nottingham Forest in a festive Premier League clash at Villa Park on 27 December 2025. Villa’s potent attack and clinical finishing earned them three vital points in a game where goals came from different phases of play.
Watkins Opens the Scoring
Aston Villa took the lead in the 18th minute when Ollie Watkins capitalised on good build-up play to fire home from close range. Watkins demonstrated his predatory instincts, pulling off a composed finish after a slick passing move that carved open Nottingham Forest’s defence.
The goal galvanised the home crowd and set Villa firmly on course, with Forest struggling to settle into their rhythm early on.
Forest Fight Back Through Awoniyi
Nottingham Forest responded with urgency, and their efforts paid off in the 35th minute when Taiwo Awoniyi equalised. The striker latched onto a hopeful ball into the box and showed excellent control before finishing with composure, bringing Forest level and injecting momentum into their play.
Awoniyi’s presence in the box and ability to stretch defenders posed problems for the Villa back line, giving Forest brief optimism heading into halftime.
Villa Reclaim Control After the Break
Aston Villa came out strongly after the interval, determined to regain their advantage. Their persistence was rewarded in the 52nd minute, when Jacob Ramsey curled a brilliant strike into the top corner from outside the area. His effort left the Forest goalkeeper with no chance and restored Villa’s lead, igniting the Villa Park supporters once again.
Ramsey’s goal emphasised Villa’s attacking versatility and added an extra dimension to their threat.
Douglas Luiz Puts Game to Rest
As Forest pushed forward in search of another equaliser, Villa exploited the spaces left behind. In the 78th minute, Douglas Luiz capped off a strong performance by slotting home Villa’s third. The Brazilian midfielder combined well with teammates before finishing calmly inside the box, giving his side a healthy cushion and effectively sealing the victory.
Standout Performances
- Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa): Provided the opener with a composed finish and led the line with energy throughout.
- Jacob Ramsey (Aston Villa): Scored a beautifully struck second goal that shifted momentum back in Villa’s favour.
- Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa): Showed creativity and composure to finish off Villa’s third.
- Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest): Forest’s key attacking threat, finishing clinically to bring his side level in the first half.
Tactical Summary
Aston Villa’s disciplined structure and attacking variety proved decisive. They combined quick transitions with patience in build-up play, and their ability to score from different zones — inside the box, midfield strikes, and opportunistic finishes — highlighted their attacking well-roundedness.
Forest displayed resilience and threatening moments, particularly through Awoniyi, but ultimately could not sustain the pressure needed to take something from the game.
Final Score
Aston Villa 3–1 Nottingham Forest
- Aston Villa: Ollie Watkins (18′), Jacob Ramsey (52′), Douglas Luiz (78′)
- Nottingham Forest: Taiwo Awoniyi (35′)