Aston Villa vs Manchester City Review
A dominant performance from Aston Villa secured them a 2-1 win over Manchester City in the Premier League, leaving City struggling with only one victory in their last 12 matches, a tally that includes more losses than they have experienced in their previous 107 games. Both teams, who started the season strong, have recently faced a downturn, and this match offered a chance for them to revive their momentum.
Villa appeared more likely to change their fortunes as they began the game energetically. Jhon Durán had a clear opportunity after Joško Gvardiol’s errant pass allowed him to break through, but he hesitated, and his early shot was saved by Stefan Ortega. Following the corner kick, Ortega made a remarkable save off the crossbar, brilliantly stopping a header from Pau Torres.
City ignored the warnings as Unai Emery’s team took the lead in the 16th minute. Morgan Rogers broke through City’s defense and passed the ball to Durán, who scored past a stranded Ortega. After going behind, Pep Guardiola’s side took charge of the game, dominating possession with Jack Grealish, a former Villa player, heavily involved. However, like in recent matches, City struggled to turn their possession into scoring opportunities. Gvardiol had a chance before halftime, but his header, set up by Grealish, went over the bar.
The second half started similarly to the first, with Villa quickly creating several chances. Matty Cash hit the side netting after a fast counter-attack, and Durán had a goal disallowed for offside after getting past Ortega. The home team maintained control after the break, and City appeared sluggish as Rogers found space in the box, hitting the post with a low shot around the hour mark.
Man City struggled to find their rhythm in the second half, and Villa rightfully extended their lead in the 65th minute when Rogers made a run into the City half, linked up with John McGinn, and finished into the far corner. Aside from a long-range attempt from Phil Foden, the visitors rarely tested Emiliano Martínez. Instead, Villa appeared more likely to score again, with Ollie Watkins having a shot saved at the near post by Ortega. Foden did manage to score in stoppage time, marking his first Premier League goal of the season, but it was merely a consolation.
Nevertheless, Emery’s squad secured three points against the defending Premier League champions, whose defense seems to be deteriorating week by week. This victory marked Villa’s second win in 18 encounters against City, moving them up to fifth place in the league table, while the Villans remain unbeaten in their last eight home league matches since their opening-day loss to Arsenal.
