OLA Aina posted a man-of-the-match performance today and scored his first goal for Nottingham Forest as they defeated Aston Villa 2-0 in their English Premier League clash at the City Ground.
Super Eagles defender Aina struck early and Orel Mangala added the second goal to help Forest snap a six-match winless streak that stretched back to September.
The hosts took the lead in the fifth minute when Aina, who started at right-back, fired home from outside the box from a cutback by Harry Toffolo.
The Nigeria international continued to impress after his goal, marshalling the right side of Forest’s defence while providing an outlet for their counter attacks.
Mangala extended the advantage early in the second half with a searing shot that Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez attempted to save with one hand, but the Argentinian could not stop the ball from bouncing inside the line as he failed to keep it out.
With the result, Nottingham Forest prevented their local rivals a spot in the top four and ended their six-match unbeaten run.
Unai Emery’s Villa would have leapfrogged his former club Arsenal into fourth spot but they remain in fifth place, five points behind leaders Manchester City.
Forest, having kept their first clean sheet at home this season, climbed up to 12th in the table.
Aina’s Super Eagles teammate Taiwo Awoniyi also started the encounter for Forest and led the line impressively before making way for Danilo in the 82nd minute.
