Nottingham Forest opened their Premier League campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Aston Villa, thanks to a first‑half long‑range effort from new signing Liam Delap and a late clincher from Igor Jesus. The win not only puts Forest on the early leaderboard but also leaves Villa still searching for their first point.
Delap’s debut goal sets the tone
After a quiet start to the season, Forest’s £45m record signing Liam Delap finally broke his duck. The English forward unleashed a powerful shot from roughly 25 yards, finding the top corner and giving Forest the lead. It was a statement of intent from a player Oliver Glasner has been keen to integrate into his 3‑4‑3 system.
Igor Jesus reads the back‑heel and finishes
Mid‑way through the second half, Morgan Gibbs‑White produced an exquisite back‑heel pass that caught Aston Villa’s defence off‑guard. Brazilian forward Igor Jesus, who had been a constant threat since his arrival, timed his run perfectly and slotted the ball past the keeper to restore Forest’s lead after Villa had equalised.
Aston Villa’s frustrating start
Unai Emery’s side entered the match with hopes of a Champions League win sparking a Premier League surge, but the visitors have now endured a winless opening stretch. Their half‑time substitute Alysson headed in an equaliser, only for Forest to respond quickly. Villa introduced Ibrahim Mbaye and Johan Manzambi after the hour, yet neither could overturn the deficit.
Glasner’s summer rebuild pays off
Glasner’s summer activity focused on adding a mobile striker and a wing‑back to fit his preferred formation. Delap’s arrival, after a failed attempt to sign him for Crystal Palace last summer, finally gave Forest the firepower they needed. Daniel Muñoz, the new wing‑back, also featured in the build‑up to the opening goal, showcasing the effectiveness of Glasner’s tactical tweaks.
What the win means for Forest’s season
Three points from the opening fixture puts Forest in a strong position early on, providing a confidence boost for a squad that has undergone significant changes. The victory also demonstrates that Glasner’s 3‑4‑3 system can produce attacking fluidity, especially when the front three combine with the wing‑back’s forward runs.
Looking ahead
Forest will aim to build on this momentum, while Villa must regroup quickly to avoid a deeper slump. Both managers have a clear picture of where improvements are needed, and the next fixtures will test the resilience of their respective squads.
Glasner finally got the striker he needed, and Delap delivered on his price tag. Villa’s lack of cutting edge shows they still have work to do before the title race even begins.
Forest’s win validates the 3‑4‑3 overhaul and gives them early points in a tight league. Villa’s continued winless run adds pressure on Emery to find a solution before confidence erodes.
Preguntas Frecuentes
Nottingham Forest won 2-1.
Liam Delap scored the opening goal and Igor Jesus added the winner.
Aston Villa remain winless and have not earned any points after this match.