Villa overwhelms City and pushes the flailing champion deeper into crisis

There is no end to the crisis at Manchester City. The reigning champions were outclassed by Aston Villa at Villa Park in Birmingham today, resulting in a 2-1 defeat.

It was the third consecutive defeat for Pep Guardiola’s side in all competitions and the ninth in twelve games. Only Nottingham Forest was won in that period. Aston Villa climbed to fifth place in the Premier League after beating City.

Anyone who thought that coach Pep Guardiola’s team would at least start the match sharply in these dark times was wrong. Josko Gvardiol delivered the ball within seconds, creating an open chance for the home team.

However, Villa striker Jhon Durán chose the wrong angle, after which City keeper Stefan Ortega was able to save. Villa came close again from the subsequent corner kick. Ortega saved from Pau Torres’ header via the crossbar.

It was not only the lack of sharpness of the wandering City, but also the boundless energy of the home team that determined the match. Villa swirled from minute one and completely overwhelmed the visitors.

Durán scored in the 17th minute. The Colombian received the ball on a silver platter from attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers after a beautiful pass from Youri Tielemans and this time he did not fail.

Jack Grealish, booed by his old club’s fans, missed City’s only chance in the first half. He shot wide. Things didn’t go much better with Kyle Walker coming on for John Stones after the break.

Villa rumbled on, Matthew Cash shot the ball into the side netting after a flashy attack and Rogers hit the post. The 22-year-old star Rogers, who made his debut for England in November, was responsible for the second goal with a beautiful solo from his own half.

Rogers got the ball back from John McGinn and shot in with his left. City’s goal from Phil Foden came too late, well into stoppage time.