PLAYER RATINGS

MATZ SELS:

Didn’t get any help from those in front of him when it came to the goals conceded. It was far too easy for the hosts. Rating: 5.5/10

NECO WILLIAMS:

Improved in the second half after a difficult opening 45 minutes all-round. No shortage of effort as he chipped in with a few tackles. Rating: 6.5/10

FELIPE:

Looked well off the pace as the Reds were all over the shop defensively before the break. No surprise both centre-backs were changed at halftime, especially as both had been booked. Rating: 4/10

MURILLO:

A very tough 45 minutes for the young Brazilian. Nowhere near at his best. Individually and collectively Forest were not at the races at all in the first half. Rating: 4/10

MOUSSA NIAKHATE:

Had a torrid 45 minutes at left-back, even if he did end it with a goal. Looked more comfortable when he moved to centre-back in the second half. Rating: 5/10

DANILO:

Guilty of a few sloppy passes but was better in the second half. Didn’t shy away when the going got tough, even if the quality didn’t show. Rating: 6/10

NICOLAS DOMINGUEZ:

Not quite at the Argentine’s usual standards as the visitors struggled to get a grip on the game. Not the only one guilty of a below-par showing. Rating: 5/10

ANTHONY ELANGA:

Missed a good chance to haul the Reds level after Niakhate and Gibbs-white had reduced the deficit. Not too many opportunities to trouble Villa with his pace. Rating: 5.5/10

MORGAN GIBBS-WHITE:

At least tried to offer something. A composed finish to make it 3-2. Gave Forest hope at the time but they quickly shot themselves in the foot. Rating: 6.5/10

CALLUM HUDSON-ODOI:

Needed to give Niakhate more protection down the Reds’ left in the first half. Might have done better with a second half effort, given his recent goalscoring form. Rating: 5/10

TAIWO AWONIYI:

Got an assist as he set up Niakhate on the stroke of half-time. Clearly still building up his fitness, though, as not at his sharpest. Rating: 5.5/10

SUBSTITUTES

HARRY TOFFOLO (FOR MURILLO, 46MINS):

Arguably should have started at leftback. Provided a bit of balance when he came on, at least. Rating: 6/10

ANDREW OMOBAMIDELE (FOR FELIPE, 46MINS):

Won’t want to watch back Villa’s fourth goal. It killed Forest’s hopes, too. Rating: 5/10

DIVOCK ORIGI (FOR AWONIYI, 46MINS):

Made a difference initially when he came on. Lovely ball to set up Gibbswhite. Rating: 6/10

RYAN YATES (FOR DOMINGUEZ, 73MINS):

Will rue a missed chance, although debatable whether he was onside. Rating: 5.5/10

GIO REYNA (FOR GIBBS-WHITE, 81MINS):

Didn’t really get to make an impact on the game. Rating: 6/10

SUBS NOT USED

Turner, Kouyate, Montiel, Ribeiro.