Nottingham Forest beats Aston Villa 2-1 with late Igor Jesus winner

Igor Jesus waited until the 88th minute to remind everyone why Nottingham Forest signed him. His late strike sealed a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park on September 12, giving Forest all three points. Villa Park has not been kind to visiting sides in recent years. Aston Villa’s 3-1 demolition of Forest at this same venue during the 2025/26 season was a perfect example. Forest arrived on September 12 knowing they had a score to settle. The decisive sequence came in the 88th minute. Igor Jesus, who has developed a reputation for impactful moments both as a starter and coming off the bench, found the net to put Forest 2-1 ahead. The Brazilian forward has become an increasingly important figure in Forest’s squad over the past two seasons. His contributions during the 2025/26 campaign established him as a reliable option, and his continued involvement in the 2026/27 season suggests the club views him as central to their plans. He has performed in both starting and substitute roles, which gives Forest’s coaching staff tactical flexibility. For Aston Villa, the loss raises familiar questions about game management. Villa’s previous 3-1 win last season makes this reversal sting eve...