Ashley Young rolled back the years as his screamer helped Aston Villa produce one of the close football scores of the weekend in the Premier League. Emmanuel Dennis’ early header gave Steve Cooper’s team the advantage, but Ashley Young’s incredible goal quickly tied the score. Villa had the advantage in a low-quality match, but they were unable to record their first away victory of the year as Forest snapped a five-match losing streak. The draw puts Forest back above Leicester, but Steven Gerrard’s team stays in 16th place after failing to secure the victory that would have moved them up one spot.
Standing ovations erupted from every corner of the stadium as Cooper, who had just signed a new deal with the team, entered, and the team’s spirit was rewarded with the game-changing goal within the first 30 minutes. Dennis headed in an unmarked corner kick from Morgan Gibbs-right White’s wing on his maiden Premier League start for the team. The poor marking by the Villa defense was evident in the Nigerian striker’s inability to even move.
The Forest supporters hardly had time to rejoice, though, as they once again lost a lead, even though this time the hit was merely superb. Young pounced on a loose ball outside the box and slammed it low into Dean Henderson’s net’s bottom corner. Although the offside flag prevented Ollie Watkins from giving Villa the lead shortly after, Forest’s weaknesses were still evident.
Both teams made an effort to make up for any deficiencies in quality. The competition required a lot of effort. However, something was lacking. Cheikhou Kouyate’s long-range goal was the best Forest could offer, while Ezri Konsa’s penalty appeal at the hour mark was as near as they came. Cooper’s situation is at least stabilized by the outcome, while Villa’s winning streak is extended to four games. But it wasn’t attractive.
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