City's winning run ends at Aston Villa

Aston Villa 1 - 0 Manchester City

Manchester City suffered their first defeat since August, slipping to a narrow loss against Aston Villa.

Author | Macca

Stadium | Villa Park

Matty Cash struck the winner after 19 minutes, guiding a left-footed effort home from the edge of the area following a corner. City protested the award of the set-piece, arguing that Lucas Digne had fouled Matheus Nunes in the lead-up.

City might have equalised moments later when Phil Foden slipped a clever pass into Erling Haaland. The forward, usually so clinical, saw his low drive blocked by Emiliano Martinez.

The away side looked weary after their midweek exertions in Villarreal and were fortunate not to fall further behind. John McGinn’s powerful volley was deflected away, and Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a sharp double stop to thwart Jadon Sancho after some neat trickery.

City did fashion chances of their own. Pau Torres was alert to clear Savinho’s volley off the line, while Haaland had a late finish ruled out for offside, a decision that summed up a frustrating afternoon as the reigning champions failed to climb the table.

Missed opportunity for Guardiola’s side

Victory would have taken City top if results elsewhere went in their favour, yet events saw them slip to fifth, six points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

It was only their third league defeat of the season, but Guardiola and his players will see this as an opportunity squandered, particularly after Liverpool’s loss at Brentford a day earlier.

City began with a purpose but faded once behind. Haaland, still on 15 Premier League goals, endured only his second scoreless outing for club or country this season and believed he had rescued a late point before the assistant’s flag intervened. His afternoon ended with concern as he crashed into the post in the aftermath of that disallowed goal. City can scarcely afford to lose their talisman at such a crucial stage.

Best reaction from blues

Beth Lee told us: “The sight of Erling Haaland gingerly hobbling away after having a late equaliser ruled out summed up our disappointing afternoon. Hope he’s not badly hurt.”

Curly added: “We looked lethargic in parts, and without Haaland firing, there was no serious goalscoring threat being provided from any of his team-mates.”

Tony P looked at the wider impact of the defeat: “We have fallen further behind Arsenal and didn’t capitalise on Liverpool losing. Very annoying.”