Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina has earned a spot in the Premier League Team of the Week after a standout performance in Forest’s stunning 1-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield.
The Nigerian defender played a key role in Forest’s determined defensive effort, helping secure their first league victory at Anfield in 55 years.
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Aina’s impressive display caught the attention of Premier League legend Alan Shearer, who included him in his Team of the Week for Game Week. “Aina was part of a superb defensive effort and kept the in-form Luis Diaz quiet, which is no small achievement,” Shearer said, praising the 26-year-old.
The former Chelsea youth player featured for the entire 90 minutes and made several critical interventions, most notably clearing a goal-bound shot from Diaz off the line in the first half.
Aina’s inclusion highlights the success of Nuno Espirito Santo’s tactical approach, which relied on a disciplined low-block defence and pace on the counter-attack. Substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi scored the decisive goal to seal Forest’s historic win.
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Joining Aina in Shearer’s select XI were fellow Forest defenders Murillo and Alex Moreno. Midfielder Elliot Anderson and manager Nuno Espirito Santo also earned spots on the team, which featured players from seven different clubs.
Other notable inclusions were Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez for his penalty save against AFC Bournemouth, Manchester United’s Matthijs de Ligt for his goal-scoring display at Southampton, and Arsenal’s Gabriel for his defensive strength and set-piece threat.
Up front, Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins were recognized for their goalscoring contributions.
As Nottingham Forest remain unbeaten this season, Aina’s selection in the Team of the Week underscores his rising influence in the Premier League and his crucial role in Forest’s defensive resilience.
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