Leon Bailey’s second-half goal sent an already-explosive Villa Park into ecstasy as Aston Villa collected a deserved 1-0 win over slumping Manchester City on Wednesday.
Villa dispatched the three-time defending Premier League champions to send City to a fourth-straight league match without a win, as Rodri’s absence loomed large and Villa took dominant advantage.
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The win pushes Unai Emery’s Villa above City into third place on the Premier League table, their 32 points two more than City ahead of a meeting with leaders Arsenal (36 points).
It’s Emery’s first win in 14 tries against Guardiola, and Villa’s first defeat of City in 10 tries.
The City loss at Villa joins three-straight draws (with Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham) and Pep Guardiola’s men are now six points off leaders Arsenal.
Electric Villa Park gets matching performance from players in deserved win over Rodri-less champions
In a certain sense, Aston Villa had to win this game.
The home crowd was at full throat from the opening moments, and City’s first half was one of control — or at least as much control as sides usually muster against Pep Guardiola’s machine.
And that noise deserved a goal — which Leon Bailey gave it to inspire even more volume — as well as the win that arrived by the final whistle.
Villa’s men earned their win, and it’s impossible to ignore Emery’s design of the win. The hosts’ strong midfield would’ve relished the chance to fight with any Man City midfield, but suspended Rodri’s absence allowed them to domineer proceedings.
The goal was a great example, as it’s very difficult to imagine Bailey just carving up the heart of City’s final third if Rodri was on the pitch.
What’s next?
Villa hosts Arsenal at 12:30pm ET Saturday, a day before City visits Luton Town.
Aston Villa vs Manchester City final score: 1-0
Goal: Bailey (74')
How to watch Aston Villa vs Manchester City live, stream link, time
Kickoff: 3:15 pm ET, Wednesday (Dec. 6)
TV channel: Peacock
Online: Watch via Peacock Premium
Aston Villa vs Manchester City player ratings
(from fotmob.com)
Aston Villa vs Manchester City live updates - By Nick Mendola
Leon Bailey goal!
Villa’s in front.
It’s a bit lucky, but that good fortune is entirely deserved as Leon Bailey’s been terrific and Villa the better side.
Bailey drives the middle of the field — right through Rodri’s vacated office, as his absence has been screaming tonight — and has a rip that turns off Ruben Dias to defy Ederson.
Is Villa headed for a famous win over City?
Chaotic nil-nil
There have been four-goal halves that weren’t as fun as that.
Villa probably deserve to be up top, taking 13 shots to Man City’s two.
City’s had a slight edge in possession and has produced some quality chances, trailing in xG by just 1.13-0.83 despite the gaudy shooting disparity.
The Rodri absence is screaming again.
Big saves abound!
Ederson’s already twice denied Villa, and now Emiliano Martinez is making his presence felt at the other end.
Erling Haaland is slipped through on goal but has pressure on his right and Martinez denies the Norwegian.
The rebound is chipped to the back post and Haaland thuds a header toward goal only to see Martinez deny that, too.
Aston Villa lineup
Representing Aston Villa for Unai Emery's 50th game in charge tonight! 👊 pic.twitter.com/QrZ2BF8raS
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 6, 2023
Manchester City lineup
CITY! 👊
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 6, 2023
XI | Ederson, Walker (C), Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol, Stones, Lewis, Foden, Bernardo, Alvarez, Haaland
SUBS | Ortega Moreno, Carson, Phillips, Ake, Kovacic, Gomez, Nunes, Bobb#ManCity | @etihad pic.twitter.com/rQaS5aR8Xq
Focus on Aston Villa, injury news
OUT: Emiliano Buendia (torn ACL - out for season), Tyrone Mings (torn ACL - out for season), Bertrand Traore (undisclosed)
Focus on Manchester City, injury news
OUT: Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring - out until December/January), Rodri (suspension), Jack Grealish (suspension) | QUESTIONABLE: Jeremy Doku (knock), Matheus Nunes (undisclosed)
