Ola Aina opens goal account on Awoniyi return as Nottingham Forest pip Aston Villa

By Wale Mustapha

Nigerian defender, Olaoluwa Aina scored his first Premier League goal in the colours of Nottingham Forest on  Sunday in their 2-0 Premier League win over Aston Villa.

The Super Eagles’ full back gave the Triky Trees an early lead as he curled home from edge of the box following a well worked move initiated by Anthony Elanga and Harry Toffolo.

Villa went close to find the equalizer before half hour but Nicolo Zaniolo had curling shot gathered by Forest’s keeper, Odysseas Vlachodimos.

Ollie Watkins could have also make it one all moments after the restart but Vlachodimos denied him again.

Forrest doubled their lead soon after as Emiliano Martinez made a meal of Orel Mangala’s shot that dropped off his grasp into the net.

It would soon became a catch game for Unai Emery’s side who find it hard to make way through the Forest.

Forest could have increase the tally but Martinez atone for earlier error as he made himself too big to deny Gibbs White.

Manager Steve Cooper will not be happy for the win but also had his top marksman in Taiwo Awoniyi returned from long injury layoff.

The rare win has also moved the Triky Trees to 12 on 13 points from 11 games.