Game #5653
Aston Villa
8-4-10, 28 PTS

Sunday, 12 February 2023
11th (-)
Last 5: ๐ฅ ๐ฉ ๐ฉ ๐ฅ ๐ฅ
GK Emiliano Martรญnez | ๐ฆ๐ท |
RB Ashley Young | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | ๐ |
CB Ezri Konsa | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | ๐จ |
CB Calum Chambers | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ |
LB Lucas Digne | ๐ซ๐ท | ๐จ | ๐ |
M Douglas Luiz | ๐ง๐ท |
M Boubacar Kamara | ๐ซ๐ท |
M Jacob Ramsey | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | ๐ |
W Leon Bailey | ๐ฏ๐ฒ | ๐ |
W Emiliano Buendรญa | ๐ฆ๐ท | ๐ |
CF Ollie Watkins | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | โฝ |
Unai Emery | ๐ช๐ธ | 2022-

Substitutes
๐ | CF Jhon Durรกn | ๐จ๐ด | for LB Lucas Digne | ๐ซ๐ท | 60โ |
๐ | M John McGinn | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ณ๓ ฃ๓ ด๓ ฟ | for W Emiliano Buendรญa | ๐ฆ๐ท | 60โ |
๐ | LB รlex Moreno | ๐ช๐ธ | for W Leon Bailey | ๐ฏ๐ฒ | 60โ |
๐ | M Philippe Coutinho | ๐ง๐ท | for W Ashley Young | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | 76โ |
๐ | RB Matty Cash | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ ๐ต๐ฑ | for M Jacob Ramsey | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | 76โ |
Unused Substitutes
GK Viljami Sinisalo | ๐ซ๐ฎ |
GK Oliwier Zych | ๐ต๐ฑ |
M Leander Dendoncker | ๐ง๐ช |
CB Sil Swinkels | ๐ณ๐ฑ |
Yellow Cards (Warnings, Cautions, Bookings)
๐จ Lucas Digne (5)
๐จ Ezri Konsa, Bad foul (19)
Red Cards (Ordered from Field of Play, Dismissals, Sendings Off)
None
Trophy Record
European Cup / Champions League: ๐
UEFA Cup Winners Cup: โ
League Champions: ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐
FA Cup Winners: ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐
League Cup Winners: ๐๐๐๐๐
Last Trophy: 1995-96
Matchday Squad
GK Emiliano Martรญnez | ๐ฆ๐ท | ยฃ19.58m |
GK Oliwier Zych | ๐ต๐ฑ | Youth |
GK Viljami Sinisalo | ๐ซ๐ฎ | Free |
LB Lucas Digne | ๐ซ๐ท | ยฃ27.00m |
RB Matty Cash | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ ๐ต๐ฑ | ยฃ14.18m |
LB รlex Moreno | ๐ช๐ธ | ยฃ12.00m |
RB Ashley Young | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | Free |
CB Ezri Konsa | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | ยฃ11.97m |
CB Calum Chambers | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | Free |
CB Sil Swinkels | ๐ณ๐ฑ | Youth |
M Philippe Coutinho | ๐ง๐ท | ยฃ18.00m |
M Douglas Luiz | ๐ง๐ท | ยฃ15.12m |
M Leander Dendoncker | ๐ง๐ช | ยฃ13.50m |
M Jacob Ramsey | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | Youth |
M John McGinn | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ณ๓ ฃ๓ ด๓ ฟ | ยฃ2.79m |
M Boubacar Kamara | ๐ซ๐ท | Free |
W Emiliano Buendรญa | ๐ฆ๐ท | ยฃ34.56m |
W Leon Bailey | ๐ฏ๐ฒ | ยฃ28.80m |
CF Ollie Watkins | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | ยฃ27.72m |
CF Jhon Durรกn | ๐จ๐ด | ยฃ14.65m |
Unavailable
Injury | 3 |
GK Jed Steer | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | Achilles, 6 Aug 2022 [25]
CB Diego Carlos | ๐ง๐ท | Achilles, 20 Aug 2022 [23]
CB Tyrone Mings | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | 12 Feb 2023 [1]
Unregistered | 1 |
CB Kortney Hause | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ |
Out On Loan | 12 |
M Finn Azaz | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | Plymouth
CF Wesley | ๐ง๐ท | Levante
W Jaden Philogene-Bidace | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | Cardiff
CF Keinan Davis | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | Watford
FB Ben Chrisene | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | Kilmarnock
M Tim Iroegbunam | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | QPR
CF Cameron Archer | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | Middlesbrough
M Morgan Sanson | ๐ซ๐ท | Strasbourg
CF Louie Barry | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | Salford City
M Aaron Ramsey | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | Middlesbrough
M Marvelous Nakamba | ๐ฟ๐ผ | Luton Town
CB Lamare Bogarde | ๐ณ๐ฑ | Bristol Rovers
Not Selected | 1 |
GK Robin Olsen | ๐ธ๐ช |
Team News
No Tyrone Mings as injury rules Villaโs reborn talisman out with Calum Chambers in for a rare start.
Far better news is no place for the woeful Olsen despite two kid โkeepers on the bench.
In other news the simply preposterous nature of all the signings under the former manager is underlined as the embarrassingly poor Jan Bednarek, fresh from his loan being terminated, scores one of the worst own goals of all time for his parent club Southampton.
Team Stats
Starting XI Average Age: | 27.27 |
Bench Average Age: | 24.47 |
Squad Average Age: | 25.87 |
Subs Average Age: | 26.66 |
Oldest Starter: RB Ashley Young | ๐ด๓ ง ๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | 37.62 |
Youngest Starter: M Jacob Ramsey | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | 21.73 |
Oldest Squad Player: RB Ashley Young | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | 37.62 |
Youngest Squad Player: GK Oliwer Zych | ๐ต๐ฑ | 18.64 |
Oldest Substitute: M Philippe Coutinho | ๐ง๐ท | 30.69 |
Youngest Substitute: CF Jhon Durรกn | ๐จ๐ด | 19.18 |
Debut Appearances
None
Final Appearances
None
Scorer(s) | Ollie Watkins | 61' |
Assist(s) | Douglas Luiz | 61' |
Match Timeline
๐ฅ
| 4โ Goal, 0-1, Manchester City, Rodri
๐จ | 37โ Booking, Lucas Digne
๐ฅ
| 39โ Goal, 0-2, Manchester City, Ilkay Gรผndogan
๐ฅ
| 45โ+1 Goal, 0-3, Manchester City, Riyad Mahrez
๐ | HT Manchester City 3-0 Aston Villa
๐ | 60โ Sub off, Lucas Digne, Sub on, Jhon Durรกn
๐ | 60โ Sub off, Emiliano Buendรญa, Sub on, John McGinn
๐ | 60โ Sub off, Leon Bailey, Sub on, รlex Moreno
โฝ | 61โ Goal, 1-3, Ollie Watkins, Assist by Douglas Luiz
๐จ | 63โ Booking, Ezri Konsa for a bad foul
๐ | 76โ Sub off, Ashley Young, Sub on, Philippe Coutinho
๐ | 76โ Sub off, Jacob Ramsey, Sub on, Matty Cash
๐ | FT Manchester City 3-1 Aston Villa
Season | 2022-23 |
Matchday | #25 |
League Game | #22 |
Manager Game | #11 |
Sunday, 12 February 2023
Attendance | 53,392 |
Match Record
Game Record
Manager: Unai Emery | ๐ช๐ธ | Hondarribia, 2022-
Referee:ย Robert Jones | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | Merseyside, 2018-
Kick off: 4.30pm
HT Score: ๐ฅ 0-3
FT Result: ๐ฅ Lost
FT Score: ๐ฅ 1-3
Last 5: ๐ฅ ๐ฉ ๐ฉ ๐ฅ ๐ฅ
Officials
Referee:ย Robert Jones | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | Merseyside, 2018-
Assistants: Lee Betts, Ian Hussin
Fourth official: Chris Kavanagh.
VAR: Jarred Gillett | ๐ฆ๐บ | Queensland, 2019-
Assistant VAR: Eddie Smart.
Referee:ย Robert Jones | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | Merseyside, 2018-
๐ 10 | ๐ฉ 2 | ๐จ 0 | ๐ฅ 8 | ๐ : 1
๐ 10 | ๐ฉ 20% | ๐จ 0% | ๐ฅ 80% | ๐ : 10%
Cards ๐จ 13 | ๐ฅ 0 | 1.33 |
Penalty โฝ 1 | ๐ฅ
0 |
Last 5: ๐ฅ ๐ฅ ๐ฅ ๐ฅ ๐ฅ
VAR: Jarred Gillett | ๐ฆ๐บ | Queensland, 2021-
Games: ๐ 7 ๐ฉ W43% ๐ฅ L43% | Last 5: ๐ฅ ๐จ ๐ฉ ๐ฉ ๐ฅ
Pens: โฝ 1 ๐ฅ
0 โ 0 Refused | Goals: โฝ Disallowed : 0
Previous 5 vs. Manchester City: ๐ฅ ๐ฅ ๐ฅ ๐ฅ ๐จ
Head to Head
2003: Gifted stadium
2007: Acquired by Thailand governing PM
2008: Acquired by Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund to become England's first state owned football club
2009: Results subject to investigation under breaking financial fair play rules over a nine-year period
2010: Results subject to investigation under breaking financial fair play rules over a nine-year period
2011: Results subject to investigation under breaking financial fair play rules over a nine-year period
2012: Results subject to investigation under breaking financial fair play rules over a nine-year period
2012: UEFA rules the club had committed "serious breaches" of financial fair play rules between 2012 and 2016.
2013: Results subject to investigation under breaking financial fair play rules over a nine-year period
2013: UEFA rules the club had committed "serious breaches" of financial fair play rules between 2012 and 2016.
2014: Results subject to investigation under breaking financial fair play rules over a nine-year period
2014: UEFA rules the club had committed "serious breaches" of financial fair play rules between 2012 and 2016.
2015: Results subject to investigation under breaking financial fair play rules over a nine-year period
2015: UEFA rules the club had committed "serious breaches" of financial fair play rules between 2012 and 2016.
2016: Results subject to investigation under breaking financial fair play rules over a nine-year period
2016: UEFA rules the club had committed "serious breaches" of financial fair play rules between 2012 and 2016.
2023: Club reported to the European Commission for improper financing under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation
Total ๐ 179 | ๐ฉ 57 | ๐จ 42 | ๐ฅ 80 | โฝ 250 | ๐ฅ
299 |
League ๐ 162 | ๐ฉ 52 | ๐จ 40 | ๐ฅ 70 | โฝ 225 | ๐ฅ
267 |
FA Cup ๐ 11 | ๐ฉ 2 | ๐จ 2 | ๐ฅ 7 | โฝ 11 | ๐ฅ
23 |
League Cup ๐ 5 | ๐ฉ 3 | ๐จ 0 | ๐ฅ 2 | โฝ 11 | ๐ฅ
5 |
Other ๐ 1 | ๐ฉ 0 | ๐จ 0 | ๐ฅ 1 | โฝ 0 | ๐ฅ
1 |
Home ๐ 91 | ๐ฉ 41 | ๐จ 26 | ๐ฅ 24 | โฝ 150 | ๐ฅ
109 |
Away ๐ 86 | ๐ฉ 16 | ๐จ 15 | ๐ฅ 55 | โฝ 98 | ๐ฅ
166 |
Neutral ๐ 2 | ๐ฉ 0 | ๐จ 0 | ๐ฅ 2 | โฝ 2 | ๐ฅ
8 |
Match Stats
Possession F | 33%
Possession A | 67%
Shots F | 6
Shots A | 17
Shots on Target F | 2
Shots on Target A | 9
Corners F | 4
Corners A | 8
Fouls F | 14
Fouls A | 13
Unai Emery | ๐ช๐ธ | 2022-
๐ 11 | ๐ฉ | 5 ๐จ | 1 ๐ฅ 5 | 1.45
Villa Career Form:
Top 8

Premier League
Manchester City
16-3-4, 51 PTS
Etihad Stadium
Attendance: 53,392
GK Ederson | ๐ง๐ท |
RB Kyle Walker | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ |
CB Aymeric Laporte | ๐ช๐ธ |
CB Rรบben Dias | ๐ต๐น | ๐จ | ๐ |
LB Rodri | ๐ช๐ธ | โฝ |
M Ilkay Gรผndogan | ๐ฉ๐ช | โฝ |
M Kevin De Bruyne | ๐ง๐ช |
M Bernardo Silva | ๐ต๐น |
M Jack Grealish (ex) | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | ๐ |
W Riyad Mahrez | ๐ฉ๐ฟ | โฝ | ๐ |
CF Erling Haaland | ๐ณ๐ด | ๐ |
Pep Guardiola | ๐ช๐ธ |
Substitutes
๐ | CB Manuel Akanji |๐จ๐ญ| for CF Erling Haaland | ๐ณ๐ด | 46โ |
๐ | CF Juliรกn รlvarez | ๐ฆ๐ท | for CB Rรบben Dias | ๐ต๐น | 46โ |
๐ | M Phil Foden | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | for M Jack Grealish (ex) | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | 69โ |
๐ | CB Nathan Akรฉ | ๐ณ๐ฑ | for W Riyad Mahrez | ๐ฉ๐ฟ | 85โ |
Unused Substitutes
GK Stefan Ortega | ๐ฉ๐ช |
RB Rico Lewis | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ |
LB Sergio Gรณmez | ๐ช๐ธ |
M Cole Palmer | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ |
M Kalvin Phillips | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ |
Yellow Cards (Warnings, Cautions, Bookings)
๐จ Rรบben Dias
Red Cards (Ordered from Field of Play, Dismissals, Sendings Off)
None
Opposition Trophy Record
As Manchester City:
European Cup / Champions League: โ
UEFA Cup Winners Cup: ๐
League Champions: ๐๐
FA Cup Winners: ๐๐๐๐
League Cup Winners: ๐๐
Last Trophy: 1975-76
As Abu Dhabi:
European Cup / Champions League: โ
UEFA Cup Winners Cup: โ
League Champions: ๐*๐*๐*๐๐ ๐
FA Cup Winners: ๐*๐
League Cup Winners: ๐*๐*๐*๐๐ ๐
Last Trophy: 2021-22
* Under Investigation
Opposition Matchday Squad
GK Ederson | ๐ง๐ท | ยฃ36.00m |
GK Stefan Ortega | ๐ฉ๐ช | Free |
LB Rodri | ๐ช๐ธ | ยฃ56.43m |
RB Kyle Walker | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | ยฃ47.43m |
LB Sergio Gรณmez | ๐ช๐ธ | ยฃ11.70m |
RB Rico Lewis | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | Youth |
CB Nathan Akรฉ | ๐ณ๐ฑ | ยฃ40.77m |
CB Rรบben Dias | ๐ต๐น | ยฃ61.20m |
CB Aymeric Laporte | ๐ช๐ธ | ยฃ57.52m |
CB Manuel Akanji |๐จ๐ญ| ยฃ15.50m |
M Jack Grealish (ex) | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | ยฃ105.75m |
M Kevin De Bruyne | ๐ง๐ช | ยฃ68.40m |
M Bernardo Silva | ๐ต๐น | ยฃ45.00m |
M Kalvin Phillips | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | ยฃ43.36m |
M Ilkay Gรผndogan | ๐ฉ๐ช | ยฃ24.30m |
M Phil Foden | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | Youth |
M Cole Palmer | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | Youth |
W Riyad Mahrez | ๐ฉ๐ฟ | ยฃ61.02m |
CF Erling Haaland | ๐ณ๐ด | ยฃ54.00m |
CF Juliรกn รlvarez | ๐ฆ๐ท | ยฃ15.30m |
Opposition Unavailable
Not Recorded

Starting XI
Substitutes
Match Media
On This Day
Villa become the first side to face Abu Dhabi since, to the surprise of no-one on nodding terms with reality, the Manchester interlopers were charged with โmore than 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules between 2009 and 2018โ.
In what is described as the biggest financial scandal and financial doping (aka cheating) ever seen in English football, the typically good grace of Abu Dhabi sees chief apologist Guardiola approach matters even handedly - denying any knowledge of how a small, provincial, unsuccessful club became an overnight heavyweight whilst calling any criticism โjealously.โ
Given UEFA found Abu Dhabi guilty of similar charges only for the Court of Arbitration for Sport to find in favour of the club under severe legal pressure there is little confidence that justice will prevail.
Ollie Watkins scores his 34th goal for the club on his 100th appearance (94 Starts) after joining from Brentford under Dean Smith in September 2020 for a then record fee of ยฃ27,720,000 to record W38 D16 L46, 34 Goals, 10 Assists, 11 Bookings and 1 Red Card so far in his Villa career.
What they Said
โWe knew this would be a tough game after three away wins but we were not competitive. They were clinical, but we made mistakes today, three very important goals we could avoid normally.
โIn the second we tried to be consistent, forget the score and be competitive and I think we did that in the second half.
โWe have to be clinical with the chances we get, but in the first half they were better than us and decided the match. I can only say sorry to our supporters, and we did not play in the way we have been.
โWe spoke about being competitive, stopping mistakes and trying to get a goal but it was difficult after going three down to do more in the second half.
โWe have to be positive when we are winning, and we have to learn how to respond and although the result was bad we tried to show our mentality in the second half. It was a bad result, but we have to learn and use it in the next matches.
โAfter our three victories away, we were thinking as well to keep consistency and be competitive. Of course we know today was a tough match. We were playing against one of the best teams in the Premier League and it was difficult here because they were clinical.
โWe made some unusual mistakes but at the end of the first half, we kept our position on the pitch, trying to score one goal and not concede many chances and we did it but really now it is finished and we think about the next match at home against Arsenal on Saturday.
โHopefully he [Tyrone Mings] will be back. He had a small injury and didnโt train this week but hopefully for the next week he is going to get better and I am thinking maybe he will play on Saturday. If not, we have another centre-back like Calum Chambers and we have to believe in every player.โ
โYes he [Jhon Durรกn] has potential but he has to work as well, tactically, offensively and defensively. He has to adapt to his team-mates and our rhythm and as well every minute he is playing now on the pitch is very good for him, for the team but we have to be patient with him.โ
โThe first half was the worst performance weโve had in the matches that weโve played. Of course, they are a very good team and they needed to win to fight with Arsenal for this Premier League. But we started to create good chances in the first five minutes and we started very good, our shape, good positioning.
โBut the first mistake we made, they scored with the corner. We continued with good ball possession and positionally defensively and we didnโt concede a lot of chances in that first half. The second goal was, again, a big mistake between the goalkeeper and Calum Chambers. The communication wasnโt good and they scored the second goal. We were a little upset but, of course, we were still in the match at 2-0 but the third goal made it very difficult for us. This penalty, I think, we shouldnโt have decided to do.
โThe second half we were speaking of trying to forget result and to continue our work and to improve and be competitive like the last matches away. I think the second half was different. Maybe they changed something as well, maybe pushing less than the first half but we played better. It was different. Today, they deserved to win and we have to take a lot of information from the match, for us, and to use in the next match.
โWe are 11th and our objective this year is very clear. When I arrived here we were at the bottom and we had to keep safe in the Premier League. Itโs not easy and now weโre in a good position. We have to continue to be competitive, to improve and our objective could be to finish in the top 10. The first objective is clear is to stay in the Premier League. The second objective is to try and be in the top 10 and then, of course, trying to get up and be close to the teams in Europe. The process needs time and patience. Today, I can be disappointed but I really want to analyse this match with the players and use for the next matches and challenges which is at home against Arsenal. Today was about using the experience.
โDuran has to learn quickly.
โYes he has potential but he has to work as well, tactically, offensively and defensively.
โHe has to adapt to his team-mates and our rhythm and as well every minute he is playing now on the pitch is very good for him, for the team but we have to be patient with him.โ
โHe has to be competitive as well. Then, play minutes and take experiences like today.
โWe are going to continue to work with him. Heโs young and I donโt want to give him a lot of responsibility and give him pressure. He played good minutes today but, tactically of course, I want more. I want to continue with him. First, giving him chances to play but, of course, being very demanding as well about tactical work I want to do.
โI donโt know. Hopefully, in two or three days heโll [Tyrone Mings] get better. We were thinking at the beginning, having spoken with the doctor, that he could be ready for Saturday. But, again, I try to give confidence to everybody. Calum played today, the second goal was not good communication with Emiliano and him. He played a match like anotherโฆ He played a good match.
Unai Emery.
---
โIt was not good enough from us collectively as a team.
โDonโt get me wrong, they are world-class players but we were too soft, me especially when Rodri ran past me for that goal. I should have made the second block and I feel I let us down today.
โAgainst City you cannot give away easy goals. The first was from a set-piece and then it is hard to get back into the game.โ
โHe [Emery] told us that if you make a mistake, own it and donโt look at anyone else. We have to learn from this.
โHe said about being humble, step up to the plate, focus on scoring one goal and try to get two. We did that but didnโt get the second.
โI think when you go a goal ahead twice like when we played Leicester, against Man City you canโt give away easy goals. The first one from a set-piece early on and then itโs hard to get back into the game, they dominate possession and they are so patient on the ball it is always hard to get back into the game.
โWe work on them [set pieces] so much, we have a set-piece coach who does an unbelievable job, attacking and defending. They punished us today, but set-pieces is one of our strong points weโre just having a little blip
Ollie Watkins.
**Three first-half goals helped Manchester City see off Aston Villa in their first game since being accused of more than 100 rule breaches by the Premier League.**
Those allegations have made it a testing week off the pitch for the defending champions but they responded in impressive style with some vibrant early attacking play, and were able to survive a slightly nervy finish.
It was not quite a vintage display by Pep Guardiolaโs side, who will go top of the table if they beat leaders Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, but they were much more like their old selves.
The noisy atmosphere certainly helped. Guardiola had issued a defiant response to the charges before the game, and Cityโs fans reacted in similar fashion at a vibrant Etihad Stadium, singing songs about their situation and in support of their manager, and also the clubโs owner Sheikh Mansour.
Cityโs players appeared galvanised too, and made the perfect start when Rodri headed home Riyad Mahrezโs corner, but they had to wait until just before the break to add to their lead.
Calum Chambersโ attempt to cut out a Kevin de Bruyne through-ball saw him head the ball beyond his on-rushing keeper Emi Martinez and, although Erling Haaland could not convert from a tight angle, he had the composure to look up and find Ilkay Gundogan for a tap-in.
Mahrez made it 3-0 from the penalty spot soon afterwards, after Jacob Ramsey had clipped Jack Grealish inside the box.
That should have been the end of Villaโs hopes, but they were gifted a way back into the game just after the hour mark.
Bernardo Silvaโs error allowed Ollie Watkins space to run through and he beat Ederson with a cool finish.
City still had the cushion of a two-goal lead but continued to be sloppy when they played out from the back and were grateful to see a long-range effort from Philippe Coutinho deflected just over, while Jhon Duran hit the bar with a fierce volley in the dying seconds.
Guardiola had promised beforehand that his team would ignore any off-field noise concerning the clubโs situation, but Cityโs fans created plenty of that themselves.
They showed they were able to smile at some of the possible punishments they face if found guilty, singing โCity going down with a billion in the bankโ as the team bus arrived, and the chants about their situation continued once the game started.
There were banners too, including one with a rude gesture directed at the Premier League, with the accompanying message reading โinvestigate thisโ.
But the commotion certainly did not distract Cityโs players - if anything they appeared more fired up than they have been in recent weeks, reflected in their fast start which proved enough to earn them the points.
Villa start badly but end well
On paper a second successive defeat might indicate a backward step for Villa after their good start to the year, but Unai Emeryโs well-organised side eventually showed why their results have been much improved in 2023.
For long periods before the break Villa sat back and looked to hit the home side on the break, but were let down by needless defensive mistakes - the worst of which cost them the second goal.
They got greater rewards when they pressed higher up the pitch in the second half, bringing loud groans from the home side whenever they won the ball back.
The pace of Watkins was a constant threat, but the non-stop running of substitute Duran set the tone for Villaโs efforts in the final minutes, and he was unlucky not to pull another goal back before the end.

