Suzuki discusses Forest defeat

Zion Suzuki reflected on a tough afternoon as Aston Villa fell to a 2-1 defeat against Nottingham Forest.

Alysson’s first goal for the club, heading in John McGinn’s cross, levelled matters with 16 minutes remaining at Villa Park and cancelled out Liam Delap’s long-range opener.

But Igor Jesus converted a winner for the visitors in the 88^th minute to secure all three points for Forest.

“It was tough, tough to take,” said goalkeeper Suzuki.

“The first half we played decent, we made many chances.

“And I think, overall, we dominated the game.

“But in the second half, completely different. They got momentum and we conceded two goals.

“It’s a disappointing result.”

Forest’s late winner came with Villa down to 10 men having been forced to play the last 10 minutes or so with a numerical disadvantage.

Having already seen Pau Torres hobble off before the break and made all five substitutions, full-back Ian Maatsen suffered an ankle injury following a heavy challenge in the 83^rd minute, with Forest’s winner duly coming down Villa’s left-hand side.

Suzuki said: “It was a difficult moment because in the first half we lost Pau, but Tyrone came in and he played very well.

“Then after that in the second half we were 10 men, that made the game difficult.

“We had to survive through but we didn’t.

“It’s difficult to take.”

Having secured our first victory of the season with Tuesday’s 3-2 triumph at Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League, Villa remain winless in the top flight after the opening four Premier League matches.

But Japan international Suzuki hopes the Villans can soon hit the ground running.

“Before the game, the manager said Villa Park is special,” he added, speaking post-match.

“We shouldn’t lose here. We lost today but hopefully we learn from it and the next time we play here, I want the supporters to be happy.

“First, we need to get the win in the Premier League. We have to learn from it and prepare for the next game.”