Aston Villa’s dream start was transformed into an almighty second-half struggle, but they stood firm to secure another vital victory.
Unai Emery’s side started with a pace and fierce intensity that Forest were unable to cope with. The goals from Rogers and Malen were no more than they deserved.
Rogers was at the heart of Villa’s best work, while Youri Tielemans orchestrated affairs from midfield.
It was a different story in the second half after Silva scored, as Villa Park’s mood changed from one of elation to nerves.
Villa held on, though, despite several scares and might have even added further goals of their own through Rogers and, in the closing seconds, Marcus Rashford.
It capped the perfect week for Villa after setting up an FA Cup semi-final with Crystal Palace at Wembley by winning at Preston North End, before claiming six points from tough-looking assignments at Brighton and here against in-form Forest.
And it is the ideal preparation for their Champions League quarter-final first leg away to Paris St-Germain on Wednesday.
