Nottingham Forest secured a dramatic victory over Aston Villa on Saturday, propelling them to fourth place in the Premier League table after 16 games.
The Reds clinched the win with two late goals, courtesy of Nikola Milenkovic and Anthony Elanga, the latter netting three minutes into stoppage time to spark jubilant scenes at the City Ground.
It was another memorable night under the lights, as the atmosphere reached fever pitch in one of Forest’s finest moments since their return to the Premier League.
Jamie Redknapp heaped praise on manager Nuno Espirito Santo for orchestrating the victory against a Villa side competing in the Champions League.
Match-winner Elanga received special recognition from Theo Walcott for his decisive contribution, but the entire Forest team impressed with their resilience and quality.
Milenkovic Earns Team of the Week Honour
Troy Deeney, often reluctant to spotlight Forest players, finally acknowledged their performances this week, naming Nikola Milenkovic in his BBC Sport Team of the Week.
The Serbian defender has been in outstanding form, and Deeney praised his impact.
“He has been really good for Forest, and it’s back-to-back games now where he has been scoring from set-pieces,” said Deeney.
“He’s been colossal at the back. A lot of people love Murillo next to him, but he is that calm head.”
A Bargain Buy for Forest
Signed for just £12 million from Fiorentina in the summer, Milenkovic is quickly proving to be one of the Premier League’s best signings this season.
The Serbian captain has brought composure and leadership to Forest’s backline, forming a formidable partnership with Murillo.
Many were surprised Fiorentina let the defender leave for such a modest fee, and Milenkovic’s teammates have lauded his impact since arriving at the City Ground.
With his commanding presence and ability to contribute crucial goals, Milenkovic has established himself as a cornerstone of Forest’s success.
Building Momentum
Whether Milenkovic is better than Murillo is up for debate, as the duo brings different qualities to the team. However, together they’ve formed a defensive pairing that has propelled Forest’s progression this season.
The Reds’ win over Villa is a testament to their growth under Nuno Espirito Santo, and with players like Milenkovic at the heart of their resurgence, Forest are beginning to look like genuine contenders in the Premier League.
