Nottingham Forest 2-1 Aston Villa: Nuno Espirito Santo's team end 29-year wait in Premier League win

Nottingham Forest have ended a 29-year wait on their way to earning a thrilling 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday night.

The East Midlands outfit went into the clash at the City Ground looking to secure a win that would move them above Manchester City into fourth place in the Premier League table.

After a dismal first half, Villa took the lead shortly after the hour mark and looked well on their way to recording a fourth successive triumph in all competitions.

Instead, Nikola Milenkovic and Anthony Elanga scored in the 87th and 93rd minutes respectively to pull off a sensational comeback.

As a result, Forest now sit within two points of third-placed Arsenal, taking advantage of the Gunners being held to a goalless draw by Everton earlier in the day.

ANTHONY ELANGA SCORES IN INJURY-TIME! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/saAjkQETAA

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 14, 2024

Forest end 29-year streak

In pulling off one of their most famous victories in their Premier League history, Forest were also able to end a long-standing streak.

Not since 1995 had Forest scored a winning goal in the 90th minute and beyond in a Premier League fixture.

The only other occasion came when Colin Cooper popped up with the decisive goal in a 3-2 success over Bolton Wanderers, Forest having also trailed in that contest.

Despite scoring twice against Villa, Forest remain with just the joint-13th best attacking record in this season's top flight.

In sharp contrast to the streak that Forest have now ended, Villa conceded their 25th match-winning goal in the Premier League era. Only Tottenham Hotspur have shipped more with 27.

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What next for both clubs?

Having made it 14 points from eight matches at the City Ground, Forest have now moved three points clear of sixth-placed Villa.

Forest next travel to West London to face Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on December 21 before ending the year with games against Tottenham Hotspur and Everton.

Meanwhile, Villa play host to Manchester City next weekend ahead of encounters with Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion.