2-1

Here the two best managers England never had - nor will have - displayed the current examples of their craft and left Villa Park, surely, as proud men.

Ron Atkinson is still advancing upon his destiny, the first Premier League championship, where Brian Clough is in retreat, trying to keep his team in the competition Forest last won 14 years ago.

Yet for all that 20 places and 20 points separated these clubs at the end of another exhilarating entertainment, the difference in standard was minimal.

It amounted, in essence, to one centre back. Give Forest Paul McGrath and they would be in search of glory rather than their fourth win of the season.

While there has not been a better opposition second half performance in the city this season, such is the vulnerability in Forest's central defence, that Villa six times nearly increased their lead.

Even though Cyrille Regis aristocratically harassed his way to his first goal of the season, had Dalian Atkinson not failed a fitness test two hours before kick-off Forest might well have travelled back on the M42 nursing a netful of broken hearts.

Atkinson, however, has more affinity with modern attitudes than any rival and, whether these are good or bad, this gives him an advantage he is quick to employ.

He also loves and understands the game for its beauty, although he would be the last to be flattered by my remarking that he has the soul of a romantic.

On consecutive Saturdays, he has proved that adjustments can be made without damaging the finished article.

The Nigel Clough-Roy Keane connection had them in trouble three times and it was only McGrath's desperate tackle on Keane that prevented Forest taking the point I thought their passing game deserved.

They claimed McGrath deliberately tripped his international team-mate. They may have had a case, but referee Joe Worrall played advantage and Toddy Orlygsson lofted his shot over the bar.

Good for Worrall. His general performance matched any on the pitch. Had he blown for a free-kick, he might have felt he had to send off McGrath for a professional foul, as he is advised to do.

Atkinson muttered "Norwich are still favourites" at his press conference but if he believes that, the bookies don't.

Nor do Villa supporters who sense, rightly and in a way they never did when Taylor was manager, that they have the team for the title.

Forest are possibly the best area-to-area side in the country and, buoyed by two consecutive wins had to be hurried in midfield.

The manager’s answer was to keep Earl Barrett in there. His calculation was as accurate as fans have grown to expect and highlighted his skill in the transfer market.

He may pay top whack but I doubt if there is a million-pound misfit on his record, which is more than can be said of Taylor, or Clough, for that matter.

Chairman Doug Ellis, recovered now from the shock of spending £2.3million on Dean Saunders, should start amassing a fresh bundle for the player most likely to turn championship promise into actual performance. It really is that close.