Aston Villa 3 Nottingham Forest 1: Player ratings

Despite Villa’s dominance there were still a couple of big saves to be made. Notable he punched the first corner he had to deal with.

Punch: 7

MATTY CASH

Will have been a bit frustrated with his final ball in the first half but then provided the perfect cross for McGinn to double Villa’s lead shortly after the break.

Assist: 7

EZRI KONSA

Another strong performance from the centre-back who was aggressive in winning back the ball. Never looked flustered.

Cool: 7

VICTOR LINDELOF

Guilty of stepping up which allowed Gibbs-White to beat the offside trap for Forest’s goal. Otherwise this was another decent performance.

Solid: 6

IAN MAATSEN

Strong defensively but would have liked to do more with the ball in the final third. Saw plenty of it as Villa spent the first half camped in the Forest half.

Moments: 6

BOUBACAR KAMARA

Caught on the ball in the first half which led to Hutchinson drawing a save from Martinez. Otherwise this was the perfect return for a key player.

Classy: 8

YOURI TIELEMANS

A stoppage time clearance which was sliced on the volley was about the only time he didn’t put the ball where he intended. Controlled the game.

Pinpoint: 8

JOHN MCGINN

Scored his first double for Villa since 2019 to cap an excellent performance. Full of running and full of energy.

Double: 8

MORGAN ROGERS

Sharp to create the early chance for Watkins and then denied in the second half by Willams’ block. Always carried a threat and looked after the ball.

Strong: 7

EMI BUENDIA

Isn’t quite hitting the heights of the early months of the season. Not a bad performance by any means but he lacked the precision of some of his team-mates.

Effort: 6

OLLIE WATKINS

When all else fails, just hit it. Denied by John Victor early but then opened the scoring with a fierce drive. Finding his feet just when Villa need him.

Form: 7

SUBSTITUTES

Lucas Digne 7 (for Maatsen, 68), Jadon Sancho 6 (for Buendia, 68), Donyell Malen (for Watkins, 83), Lamare Bogarde (for McGinn, 83), Andres Garcia (for Cash, 90) Subs not used: Carroll, Hemmings, Jimoh-Aloba, Bizot (gk).