Aston Villa showcased their Champions League aspirations with a dazzling attacking performance, securing a convincing victory against Nottingham Forest, according to winger Leon Bailey. In a breathtaking first half at Villa Park, Villa surged to a 3-0 lead, bouncing back from consecutive home defeats.
Ollie Watkins opened the scoring in the fourth minute, tapping in his 14th Premier League goal after a brilliant display on the right by Bailey. Douglas Luiz added two goals within 10 minutes, first slotting home a Jacob Ramsey cut-back and then heading in John McGinn's cross from the right.
Forest's Moussa Niakhate chested home his first goal just before halftime, but Villa's Morgan Gibbs-White extended the lead three minutes into the second half with a delicate finish over the advancing Emi Martinez.
Bailey sealed the three points for Villa, tapping into an empty net after Watkins' shot was saved, following Forest losing possession high up in their own half.
The result propels fourth-placed Villa five points clear of Tottenham, who are not in action this weekend, and creates an eight-point gap to sixth-placed Manchester United, who suffered a 2-1 defeat against Fulham at Old Trafford.
Leon Bailey emphasized Villa's goal of securing a top-four finish and qualifying for the Champions League, highlighting the importance of consistency. However, Villa boss Unai Emery remained cautious, acknowledging the need to focus on each match and maintaining a positive outlook.
With this victory, Aston Villa sits 15 points clear of eighth-placed Newcastle, while Nottingham Forest remains in 16th position, four points above the relegation zone.
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