Manchester City 2 - 0 Aston Villa - Match Report
After 75 minutes of quality attacking football and defending at both ends of the Etihad, Aston Villa fell victim to yet another VAR controversy. 19 days after their last match across the city at Old Trafford, Villa were lively and confident in their display against title challengers City, who were beaming following nine games unbeaten in the league. A wet and windy Manchester made for a turbulent but exciting fixture. Ross Barkley made his way back onto the team sheet for the first time since his early injury at home to Brighton on 21st November 2020. The players were rested, but there were doubts on match sharpness and fitness, which Dean Smith and his men were undoubtedly hoping to dismiss. An open and end-to-end first half included an impressive early-on save from Martinez, and some dangerous counter-attacks that unfortunately failed to come to fruition. A premature substitution for City welcomed Zinchenko for the injured Kyle Walker, while Villa tried to capitalise on attacking do