AdminAston Villa’s difficult start to the 2026/27 Premier League season continued last weekend with a 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Villa Park.
Liam Delap opened the scoring with a powerful strike before substitute Alysson restored parity. Forest eventually secured all three points when Igor Jesus struck late on.
The result leaves Unai Emery’s side 19th after four league matches, with their lack of attacking threat and defensive vulnerability becoming major concerns.
Villa managed only six shots compared with Forest’s 21 and recorded an xG of 0.89 to their opponents’ 1.92.
Attention now turns to Wednesday’s Carabao Cup third-round trip to Coventry City, with Emery facing several injury concerns.
Pau Torres is the latest worry after being forced off after just 25 minutes against Forest while clutching his right hamstring. The extent of the injury is still unclear, although he could be sidelined for two to four weeks.
Ian Maatsen faces a longer absence, with The Athletic reporting that the defender could miss six to eight weeks after suffering tendon damage to his ankle.
Matty Cash is also doubtful after missing the Forest game with a muscular problem.
Teenager Brian Madjo remains unavailable with a foot injury, while Leon Goretzka continues his recovery from a knee problem.
Amadou Onana faces the longest lay-off after suffering an ACL injury at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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