Anthony Elanga’s stoppage-time aim despatched Nottingham Forest into the highest 4 of the Premier League as they produced a late turnaround to beat Aston Villa 2-1.

Villa appeared destined to be leaving the Metropolis Floor with three factors after Jhon Duran’s instinctive header gave them the lead within the 67th minute – moments after goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez defied physics to supply a surprise save and preserve the scores degree.

However Martinez then bundled Nikola Milenkovic’s 87th-minute header into his personal web as Forest drew degree earlier than Elanga struck within the third minute of time added on to spark mass scenes of celebration.

The unlikely victory strikes Nuno Espirito Santo’s males into the Champions League qualification locations and Forest followers are daring to dream after a outstanding turnaround from final season, the place they survived on the ultimate day.

Villa will probably be ruing their late capitulation as they suffered yet one more hangover from their midweek Champions League motion and boss Unai Emery is struggling to stability the fixture calls for.

All of the drama was jam-packed into the ultimate third as the primary hour was an immediately forgettable affair, with neither aspect ready to take management of the sport.

It wanted some particular person expertise to convey it to some form of life and Elliot Anderson offered it within the thirtieth minute, dancing into the world and seeing a shot deflect extensive.

From the resuling nook Forest ought to have gone forward, however Murillo put a free header from eight yards extensive.

Villa additionally started to assault they usually thought they need to have had a penalty when Morgan Rogers appeared to be pulled down by Anderson, however referee Sam Barratt and VAR didn’t agree.

Ezri Konsa glanced a header extensive from a free-kick after which Matty Money compelled Matz Sels right into a low save, however a colorless first half ended goalless.

The opening interval of the second half was not a lot better till Martinez proved why he’s the most effective goalkeeper on the planet on the hour as he made a surprise save to disclaim Forest.

A nook was flicked on on the close to publish to Nicolas Dominguez, whose header appeared sure to go in till Martinez one way or the other clawed it away from behind him with millimetres to spare.

It was an enormous second and proved even larger two minutes and 50 seconds later as Villa went in entrance.

Villa labored the ball from left to proper and McGinn’s cross was met by Duran, whose instinctive header flew into the roof of the web.

Martinez was once more referred to as into motion to maintain his aspect’s lead intact when he bought throughout to palm away Neco Williams’ stinging drive.

Forest thought that they had levelled within the 81st minute when Wooden transformed a flowing workforce transfer, however Anthony Elanga was adjudged offside after a forensic three-minute VAR examine.

The hosts weren’t denied for lengthy, although, as 90 seconds after play restarted Milenkovic crashed residence a header from Morgan Gibbs-White’s cross.

Martinez may have performed higher, although, as he was unable to maintain the ball out when it hit his chest.

Forest received it in dramatic model as Anderson robbed Money and teed up Elanga to fit residence from shut vary.