Aina answers Glasner’s call, helps Forest stun Aston Villa.

Aina answers Glasner’s call, helps Forest stun Aston Villa.

Super Eagles defender Ola Aina responded to a late tactical challenge from Nottingham Forest manager Oliver Glasner with an impressive performance at centre-back as Forest secured a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday.

Aina, who is more accustomed to operating at full-back, was handed an unfamiliar role in the heart of Forest’s defence after injuries ruled out the club’s two recognised central defenders on the eve of the encounter.

With little time to prepare for the tactical reshuffle, Glasner revealed that he personally approached Aina to find out whether the Nigerian was confident enough to adapt to the demanding position.

According to the Forest manager, the response he received gave him the confidence to go ahead with the decision.

“I knocked on Ola and Ousmane’s door and told them that they would start tomorrow in a back three,” Glasner told Forest TV.

“Especially with Ola, I had to ask him if he can imagine that this could work, and he said I can, and I knew he can.”

The tactical gamble ultimately paid off as Aina lined up as the left-sided centre-back in a three-man defensive system alongside Ousmane Diomande and Forest’s other defensive option.

Despite being deployed outside his usual position, the Nigerian international showed composure, discipline and physicality throughout the match as Forest held on to claim a significant away victory.

Aina finished the game with three tackles, one interception, four clearances and two recoveries, underlining his contribution to Forest’s defensive effort.

The victory was particularly important for Glasner, who was looking to secure his first Premier League win of the campaign since taking charge of the club.

The Forest boss admitted that his side had to overcome several challenges before and during the match, making the result even more satisfying.

“The circumstances we have yesterday, it was in the evening that I got the result of the scans and all of a sudden both centre-backs couldn’t play,” Glasner said.

“There are many challenges we have to overcome today, that is why I am really proud of the performance and the win.”

For Aina, the performance was another indication of his versatility and willingness to adapt to the demands of his manager. His ability to step into an unfamiliar defensive role at short notice proved crucial as Forest walked away from Villa Park with all three points.

The result also provides Glasner and his players with a much-needed boost as they look to build momentum in the Premier League.

After overcoming an unexpected defensive crisis, Forest will now hope their hard-fought victory over Villa becomes the starting point for an improved run of form, while Aina's display could give Glasner another valuable option to call upon whenever injuries or tactical demands arise.