Manchester City beat Aston Villa 2-1 on Matchday 14 of the Premier League on Wednesday.
This was Manchester City’s fourth successive win in the league. With this win, City have picked up 32 points from 14 league games. Manchester City are still second in the league with just one point off league leaders Chelsea. While this was the first defeat for Steven Gerrard as Aston Villa boss. Aston Villa have picked up 16 points from 14 league games so far.
Manchester City took the lead with a brilliant left-foot finish from outside of the box by Ruben Dias in the 27th minute. Bernardo Silva later in the first half doubled City’s lead from a quick counter-attack with a sublime side-footed volley from a Gabriel Jesus’ dropping cross.
The hosts did reply right after the interval. Ollie Watkins scored with a neat strike from a well-worked corner routine straight from the training ground. Later on in the game, Ezri Konsa did go down in the City box but Mike Dean didn’t award a penalty. VAR also vindicated Mike Dean’s decision not to award a penalty.
Aston Villa created problems for City until the end of the game but City stayed strong defensively and came out with all three points.
Pep Guardiola after the game was high on praise for Bernardo Silva:
“The best. When we made 98 points two or three years ago, he was the best, too. Take the videos and you will see.
“It was an incredible finish and the goal was good, it was quick. To beat them was an incredible step for us.
Manchester City player rating
Ederson: 7
Had no real chance to keep the Ollie Watkins strike out. But was exceptional with his distribution and made an outstanding save to deny Chukwuemeka in the second half.
Joao Cancelo – 6
He played on his natural right-back position this game. Kept Villa pushed back on the right side with his forward runs and had a shot saved by Martinez in the first half.
Ruben Dias – 8
Scored the first goal of the game with a brilliant left-foot finish from the edge of the box. Looked rock-solid at the back as usual.
Nathan Aké – 7
Looked solid at the back and his positioning kept the Aston Villa attack at bay and made some key interceptions.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7
Zinchenko had four-ball recoveries and managed one key pass. He contributed well to the build-up play.
Rodri – 8
Rodri made five ball recoveries in the game and provided defensive cover for his team. He was given more freedom in the middle of the park with Fernandinho playing beside him.
Fernandinho – 7
He played a big part in City’s second goal. The deep-line midfielder showed good passing range and helped break up the Villa attacks.
Bernardo Silva – 9
Scored the second goal for Manchester City with a beautiful side-foot volley. Silva was without a doubt the best player on the field. He linked up with the midfield and attacked throughout.
Riyad Mahrez – 6
Mahrez made some good touches in the final third of the field. The winger saw plenty of the ball in the first half and finally was a vital out ball in the second half.
Gabriel Jesus – 7
Jesus started the game as a Striker but kept switching positions and was a constant threat for the Villa defense.
Raheem Sterling – 8
Sterling looked very sharp in attack and provided the assist for the Dias goal. He was constantly driving at the defense and carrying the ball with speed and skill.
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