Birthday boy Jordan Ayew was denied victory but delivered two sublime assists as his Aston Villa side were held to a 2-2 draw on Sunday at Villa Park against Nottingham Forest.

Ayew, who turned 25 on Sunday, played the entire duration of the game on the right side of midfield while the attacking duties were left to Jonathan Kodija and Ross McCormack.

He was named the Man of the Match after delivering the assists for both goals, seven shots, four key passes and three dribbles as well as attracting a yellow card for the Villains.

The home side dominated and looked to have secured victory with two goals from Ross McCormack and Rudy Gestede.

But Forest, who had led against the run of play through Apostolos Vellios, levelled on 87 minutes when captain Lansbury blasted home to break Villa hearts.

Ghanaian international Albert Adomah who joined Aston Villa from Premier League new boys Middlesbrough was not named in the squad for the game.

Villa are now placed 17th after six games – one win, three draws and two losses.