3 days ago the 20th round of the English Premier League for the 2025/26 season began. In the opening match of the tour, Aston Villa hosted Nottingham Forest and won with a 3:1 score..

The rulers actively started the match and even in the first stages they created a dangerous moment - Ollie Watkins shot through the center, but goalkeeper John Victor turned the team. The Birmingham team completely controlled the course of the first half, regularly putting pressure on the visitors’ defense and creating chances. The closest to the goal was Matsen, who broke through the right post.

Nottingham counterattacked in the 31st half, but Omari Hutchinson's shot was parried by Emiliano Martinez. Under constant pressure, Aston Villa was able to open the gap just before the break: Watkins, after Morgan Rogers' pass, effectively broke through the left corner - 1:0.

At the start of the second half, Unai Emeri's team doubled their advantage. Matty Cash crossed from the flank to John McGinn, who shot straight through the center to make it 2:0. After whose guests became active and on the 61st century they quickly set up: Morgan Gibbs-White realized the exit himself from Martinez.

The intrigue did not last long.

On the 73rd century, McGinn scored a double, making quick work of John Victor’s rude mercy, which is far from the gate. The Nottingham goalkeeper recovered from injury and was forced off the field by the hour of the episode - 3:1.

Ukrainian reserve player Oleksandr Zinchenko was left out of the reserves once again and did not appear on the field.

Aston Villa – Nottingham Forest 3:1.

Goals: Watkins, 45+1, -, 61 McGinn, 49, 73 Aston Villa: Martinez - Cash (Garcia, 90), Konsa, Lindelof, Matsen (Din, 69) - Camara, Tielemans - McGinn (Bogard, 83), Buendia.