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 down both sides of City's defence. 

Once again, Villa's Bertrand Traoré seemed indifferent when it came to getting stuck in with his defensive duties, but eager to attack and make feisty runs up the right-hand side. Villa's overall defensive display in the first half has to be applauded, as both full backs and centre backs showed assurance and confidence in front of their own goal. Targett in particular was impressive in limiting City's shots on goal, often making crucial interceptions in dangerous areas. Ross Barkley appeared to be trying too hard at times, attempting flicks and tricks in possession which ultimately led to a quick clean up by City's midfield and defence. However, he did get into decent positions in attack and managed a respectable 60 minutes on his return to the team.

Both teams entered the second half looking slightly different after their team talks. The 0-0 scoreline was clearly troubling for Guardiola, while Smith's men seemed to fall a bit deeper and struggled to get possession. Villa did however muster a few excellent chances in the second half, with Traoré beating De Bruyne down the right and running in on goal, McGinn slipping on a sitter near the penalty spot, and an Ollie Watkins cross being crucially swept away by Dias. 

Too often was Phil Foden left on his own down the flank, making numerous runs into the box to shoot or set up his teammates. Fellow England international Grealish failed to make a similar impact, seeming much quieter than his usual self and finding it hard to get into the game at times.Nearing the 80 minute mark, it seemed ridiculous that the game remained goalless, especially as City piled on even more pressure and pushed Villa's defensive integrity to its very limits. It was a very entertaining 0-0, at least for the neutral. That was until things got slightly sour in the 79th minute, when Rodri came in from an offside position to dispossess Tyrone Mings and set up Bernardo Silva, who fired home to break the deadlock. Immediately there was controversy as to how Rodri was able to interfere with Mings when arriving from an offside position, yet VAR deemed it legal.

Dean Smith was sent off soon after after he contested the conscientious decision with referee Jonathan Moss and his linesman.  From then on, it was difficult for Villa to chain together a fluid passage of play, and a 90th minute penalty conceded from a Matty Cash handball sealed the deal for the home side, making it 10 unbeaten in the league as Gündogan tidied away from the spot.

This defeat makes it two consecutive league losses for Villa, both of which in the city of Manchester and arguably both at the hands of questionable officiating decisions. However, a generally disciplined and attack-minded performance from Villa leaves positives to be taken. City move up to 1st in the Premier League ahead of Manchester United's fixture against Fulham, while Villa remain in 11th with two games in hand. Smith and his staff will be looking ahead to Saturday's home fixture with Newcastle as a perfect opportunity to get back to winning ways.