Igor Jesus scored a dramatic late winner as Nottingham Forest claimed their first victory at Aston Villa in 32 years, leaving the hosts still searching for their first Premier League win of the season.
The substitute struck with two minutes remaining to secure a deserved victory and hand Forest head coach Oliver Glasner his first win since taking charge.
Liam Delap had earlier opened the scoring with his first goal since January.
It was also his first for Forest following his £50m summer transfer from Chelsea.
Alysson equalised with Villa’s first Premier League goal of the campaign, but Unai Emery’s side were second best for much of the contest.
Villa came close to taking the lead when Victor Lindelof’s effort deflected off Murillo and forced Matz Sels to turn the ball onto the post.
Murillo’s clearance fell back to Lindelof, but the Forest goalkeeper reacted quickly to block his follow-up.
That proved to be a rare opportunity for the hosts.
Emery replaced club-record £65m signing Nicolas Jackson with Tammy Abraham at half-time, but Forest controlled much of the second half.
Alysson briefly restored hope for Villa by bringing them level, only for Jesus to convert the decisive chance in the closing stages.
Emery has called for patience following Villa’s extensive summer rebuild, but the pressure will continue to grow after another disappointing league performance.
Villa’s 3-2 Champions League victory at Club Brugge had raised expectations, but the hosts looked disjointed and struggled to match Forest’s intensity.
The decision to replace Jackson at the interval highlighted how far Emery’s new-look team remains from finding its rhythm.
Forest, meanwhile, delivered another encouraging performance under Glasner.
Following draws against Liverpool and Tottenham, the Austrian finally secured his first victory with the club.
Glasner also extended his impressive record against Emery, who remains without a win against him in eight meetings since the former Crystal Palace manager arrived in English football in February 2024.
While the margin was narrow, Forest were worthy winners and will take increased confidence from a composed away performance and a long-awaited victory at Villa Park.
