Ola Aina is Nottingham Forest’s unsung hero, 86% stat vs Aston Villa proves exactly why
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Credit: Getty Images Mon 13 April 2026 18:00, UK Ola Aina has endured an injury-struck campaign for Nottingham Forest but now appears to be back to his very best. Four consecutive Premier League games unbeaten have seen Nottingham Forest make a push for safety, although they are far from out of the woods yet.
Difficult fixtures remain for Vitor Pereira’s side this season, and neither West Ham nor Tottenham can be ruled out of a desperate late lunge to avoid the drop.Nottingham Forest’s form is certainly much-improved, however, and should be enough to keep them in the Premier League if they can sustain it. ⚽ Nottingham Forest Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert previews and tactical analysis for every Nottingham Forest fixture. VISIT THE FOREST MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Ola Aina’s impressive stats vs Aston VillaFormer Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider last month that Nottingham Forest are facing an exodus if they are relegated from the Premier League.There would certainly be no shortage of suitors for the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliott Anderson in that scenario, and several others would not struggle to find moves away.
It was his cross that allowed Callum Hudson-Odoi to lay off for Neco Williams’ equaliser.Aina to be key to Nottingham Forest hopesAina’s importance to Nottingham Forest was seen clearly when he was left on the injury table for nearly four months at the start of the season.The Tricky Trees had already been struggling in the wake of Nuno Espirito Santo’s departure and replacement by Ange Postecoglou, and they were far weaker without their reliable right-back.Three more years of Ola Aina. ✍️— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) July 7, 2025 View Tweet Aina brings a level of one-versus-one defending that is simply unmatched by any other full-back at the City Ground.If Nottingham Forest are to stay up, they will need him just as much as they will need their stars. Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Nottingham Forest Insider Access Get the full story from the City Ground and the Forest Training Centre with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the banks of the River Trent.