Villa came to a sodden Etihad Stadium after taking seven points from their previous three games, and with the message from their manager Dean Smith that City were “not superhuman” and they had nothing to fear.

They did more than just keep City quiet in a tight opening period, with John McGinn bringing a fine fingertip stop from Ederson - the Scot also went close to a consolation before the end when he hit the post after the City keeper had denied Douglas Luiz.

As Guardiola acknowledged, it did not always look like turning out that way [a win] for City, who had to work hard to break down a well-organised Villa side.

The visitors had largely frustrated City in the first half but their resistance lasted for only 20 seconds after the restart.

City had to wait until the 65th minute for their second goal, which confusingly was eventually awarded to David Silva, after a long delay for a VAR decision that had concluded it was Kevin de Bruyne’s goal.

It was unclear at first glance whether Silva or Sterling, who would have been offside from a Silva touch, had got a deflection on De Bruyne’s wicked curling cross but after a four-minute delay that was met with derision by both sets of fans, it was ruled it had gone straight in and was allowed to stand.

However, some time after the final whistle, the goal accreditation panel - an independent entity which has no affiliation with VAR - awarded the goal to Silva, who had wheeled away in celebration.

Nonetheless, Ilkay Gundogan made absolutely sure of the points a few moments later, when Fernandinho’s shot was cleared into his path, and he expertly adjusted his body to put away a fine first-time finish.

The only slight disappointment from Villa’s point of view was that they did not see more of Jack Grealish with the ball at his feet in the City half, the midfielder’s role here involving rather more defensive duties.

There were still some neat passes and a couple of trademark flashes of his quick feet that saw the away fans break into chants of ‘Super Jack’, but he did not create a single chance or do much to back up his claims this week that he wants a senior England call-up.

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith speaking to BBC Match of the Day:

“I am disappointed with the manner of the goals we conceded. We came with a gameplan and I thought we showed some good enterprise going forward.

“We started quite well in the second half, and City’s first goal is just a lump from the goalkeeper. Tyrone Mings should do better and he knows that then but a top player like Raheem Sterling puts it on the back of the net.

“But I would question City’s second goal: I think Raheem Sterling is offside and he impedes the goalkeeper from making the save.”

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola speaking to BBC Match of the Day: “

Aston Villa played very well in the first half and we played not so good. They … played with real spirit, attacking the channels well.
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*The Guardian*
Saturday, 26 October 2019

Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling breaks Aston Villa’s resistance

Though Pep Guardiola was pleased with the win over an Aston Villa who came to play, there was displeasure at the display before the break. “We played a good 45 minutes, not the other ones. Credit to Aston Villa.”

Villa showed they should be taken seriously, as they sought a first win against City since September 2013. Wesley, the lone striker, was a powerful focal point, and Trézéguet, Jack Grealish and John McGinn looked dangerous in combination.

After a Sterling shot hit Björn Engels in the area VAR ruled no penalty and moments later the same adjudication came at the other end. Ederson saved a McGinn effort to his left, the ball spilled to Douglas Luiz and as Fernandinho and João Cancelo closed on the midfielder he went down but City escaped.

Guardiola has been concerned at the chances conceded by his team, with Trézéguet and Wesley given room to shoot in the penalty area.

Dean Smith was in no doubt. “The second goal I believe is offside,” he said, before pointing to the Belgian being awarded it, believing Silva to have touched the ball. “That’s a get-out for the officials.”