Aston Villa marked manager Unai Emery’s third anniversary in charge with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester City on Sunday, as Matty Cash’s first-half strike proved decisive in a thrilling Premier League encounter at Villa Park.
The result Villa’s fourth consecutive league win propelled them to seventh place in the standings and handed City their first defeat in ten matches across all competitions. For the reigning champions, it was also a third successive away loss to Villa, leaving Pep Guardiola’s side six points behind leaders Arsenal.
City began brightly and nearly took the lead inside six minutes when Tijjani Reijnders fired narrowly over from the edge of the area. But Villa soon found their rhythm, pressing high and showing greater intensity after Thursday’s shock Europa League defeat to Go Ahead Eagles.
The breakthrough came in the 19th minute following a well-worked short corner. Emiliano Buendia’s clever delivery found Matty Cash on the edge of the box, and the Polish international controlled before curling a low shot into the far corner beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City responded quickly, with Bernardo Silva slipping Erling Haaland through on goal just three minutes later, but the Norwegian striker’s effort was too close to Emiliano Martinez, who saved comfortably.
Villa continued to dominate possession and territory. John McGinn went close with a deflected effort, while Ollie Watkins saw his header blocked from the resulting corner. Early in the second half, McGinn again tested City’s defence with a fierce volley that was charged down.
At the other end, Villa’s backline stood firm under pressure. Ezri Konsa made a crucial block from Savinho’s powerful drive on the hour mark, and Pau Torres was alert to clear the Brazilian’s follow-up off the line.
Substitute Jadon Sancho, who replaced the injured Buendia, nearly doubled Villa’s lead in the 69th minute but was denied twice in quick succession by Donnarumma from a tight angle.
City threw men forward in search of a late equaliser and thought they had snatched one in the 89th minute when Haaland turned in Phil Foden’s cross at the far post. However, the celebrations were cut short after a VAR review confirmed Foden was offside in the build-up.
The final whistle sparked jubilant scenes among the Villa faithful as they celebrated another statement win under Emery a manager who has turned Villa Park into one of the Premier League’s most formidable fortresses.
With this result, Villa’s momentum continues to build as they look to strengthen their push for European qualification, while Guardiola’s City face renewed pressure to rediscover consistency in the title race.
About The Author
