Written By Hannah

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 attackin...

Last night's last-gasp victory over Leicester marked another historical moment for Villa - four consecutive wins for the first time in 90 years. New boy Ross Barkley netted his second in two games in the 91st minute to maintain the clubs 100% league record this season, with the help of a revitalised John McGinn and his assist.    Villa also secured their third clean sheet of the campaign, conceding only two goals in four games - the best in the entire league. They are one of only two teams in the top five European leagues to still have a 100% win record this season. When we think back to the last game pre-lockdown, Leicester humiliated Villa in a 4-0 battering. Seven months on, Dean Smith's men look an entirely different picture. Unbeaten in eight, the previously fragile defense are now looking more solid than ever, with the Mings and Konsa centre back partnership proving to be extremely effective. The addition of Nottingham Forest favourite, Matty Cash, has added extra securi...