It had been a dull encounter at the City Ground until Morgan Gibbs-White flicked on a Forest corner. From just four yards out, midfielder Dominguez stooped to head the ball goalwards.
The ball seemed destined for the back of the net, but Emiliano Martinez, the Aston Villa goalkeeper, pulled off a remarkable save. Like a "magician," the Argentine reached back to stop it on the goal-line, then dragged it away from goal.
Martinez's save looked pivotal when Jhon Duran scored moments later, but Forest mounted a late comeback to secure a 2-1 victory. Martinez, however, would feel disappointed for not keeping out the equaliser.
Former Wales defender Ashley Williams told BBC Match of the Day: "That was the best save I’ve ever seen. He’s so clever, understanding where he is and what he needs to do. He’s facing the wrong way."
"And then, the ups and downs of being a goalkeeper – he lets in a routine one right after," Williams added.
Albrighton also marveled at the save: "I thought it was in, but what a superb save. Martinez got down so low and quick, somehow keeping it out. He’s not even facing the right way but manages to claw it away."
"I honestly can’t believe it," Albrighton continued. "It was centimetres from going in. That’s incredible. It’s one of the best I’ve seen."
Martinez, 32, won the Golden Glove for his role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp compared his save to one of the all-time greats, Gordon Banks’ famous save against Pele in the 1970 World Cup.
"We talk about the Pele save from Gordon Banks," Redknapp said. "I can’t think of a better Premier League save in my life. Somehow, he saved it. It’s almost like a magician, sleight of hand. Truly sensational."
Despite Martinez's heroics, Villa, in sixth place, were denied victory as Forest sealed a dramatic comeback with goals from Nikola Milenkovic and Anthony Elanga. This lifted Forest to fourth in the Premier League table, ahead of Manchester City.
Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo praised the win: "Today is a big moment. Let’s enjoy it together, all the fans, players. But we know Brentford will be tough next Saturday. We must focus on the task ahead."
When asked if Forest can compete for a top-four finish, Nuno responded, "We are competing against all the teams in the Premier League. It’s about preparing for the next game and realizing we haven’t achieved anything yet."
Meanwhile, Villa boss Unai Emery felt his team was denied a "clear penalty" in the first half when Morgan Rogers appeared to be pulled by Elliot Anderson.
"It’s a massive mistake from VAR," Emery said. "Not the referee, but VAR is there to help. It’s a clear penalty. Where is the VAR?"
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