Aston Villa delivered a dominant performance to defeat Manchester City 2-1 at Villa Park, further exposing the reigning champions’ ongoing struggles. Goals from Jhon Duran and Morgan Rogers secured a well-earned victory for Villa, who capitalized on City’s lackluster form.
1. Match Overview
First Half
Villa started brightly, with goalkeeper Stefan Ortega denying two early attempts within the first minute.
Jhon Duran broke the deadlock in the 17th minute, finishing a sweeping move to score for the fourth consecutive game.
City had opportunities through Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol but failed to convert.
Second Half
Morgan Rogers doubled Villa’s lead with a composed finish after hitting the post earlier in the half.
Phil Foden scored a late consolation goal in stoppage time, but it wasn’t enough to prevent City’s ninth loss in 12 matches.
2. Aston Villa Player Ratings (4-2-3-1)
Player
Rating
Comments
GK: Emiliano Martinez
7.7/10
Made crucial saves, especially in the first half, to keep City at bay.
RB: Matty Cash
6.5/10
Solid defensively but less involved going forward.
CB: Ezri Konsa
6.5/10
Marshaled the backline well, limiting Haaland’s influence.
CB: Pau Torres
7.2/10
Calm and composed under pressure, contributing to Villa’s defensive solidity.
LB: Lucas Digne
6.5/10
Balanced performance on both ends of the pitch.
CM: Boubacar Kamara
7.5/10
Controlled the midfield with excellent positioning and passing.
CM: Amadou Onana
6.8/10
Provided energy and physicality in the middle of the park.
RW: John McGinn
8.0/10
Tireless work rate and effective in linking defense and attack.
AM: Youri Tielemans
7.2/10
Showed creativity and composure in possession.
LW: Morgan Rogers
8.9/10
Player of the Match. Scored a decisive goal and was a constant threat.
ST: Jhon Duran
8.1/10
Scored the opener and worked tirelessly to stretch City’s defense.
Substitutes
Ollie Watkins (80′)
6.1/10
Provided fresh legs late on.
Emi Buendia (90′)
N/A
Played too little to be rated.
3. Manchester City Player Ratings (3-2-4-1)
Player
Rating
Comments
GK: Stefan Ortega
6.2/10
Made some key saves but could do little about the goals.
CB: John Stones
6.7/10
Decent performance but subbed off at halftime for tactical adjustments.
CB: Manuel Akanji
6.5/10
Defended well at times but struggled with Villa’s pace.
CB: Josko Gvardiol
5.7/10
Missed a golden chance and looked shaky defensively.
DM: Rico Lewis
6.9/10
Energetic and composed in midfield despite the team’s struggles.
DM: Mateo Kovacic
6.3/10
Failed to impose himself on the game and was subbed late on.
RM: Bernardo Silva
6.5/10
Worked hard but lacked end product.
CM: Phil Foden
7.6/10
City’s standout player, scoring a late consolation and driving the attack.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan
6.1/10
Struggled to dictate play and was subbed in the second half.
LM: Jack Grealish
6.7/10
Showed glimpses of quality but was largely ineffective.
ST: Erling Haaland
6.4/10
Starved of service and failed to make an impact.
Substitutes
Kyle Walker (46′)
6.2/10
Added pace but couldn’t change the game.
Savinho (73′)
6.5/10
Looked lively but had little time to make a difference.
Jeremy Doku (84′)
N/A
Played too little to be rated.
4. Key Takeaways
Aston Villa
Morgan Rogers Shines: Rogers was the standout player, combining creativity and clinical finishing.
Defensive Discipline: Villa’s backline handled City’s attack with poise and resilience.
Manchester City
Ongoing Struggles: City’s lack of form continues, with their defense and midfield failing to dominate.
Foden’s Efforts in Vain: Phil Foden’s late goal was the only bright spot in an otherwise dismal performance.
5. What’s Next?
Aston Villa: Villa visit Newcastle on Boxing Day, aiming to continue their impressive form.
Manchester City: City host Everton, desperate to turn their season around and end their poor run.
FAQs
Who was the Player of the Match? Morgan Rogers was named Player of the Match for his goal and overall influence.
What’s Aston Villa’s current form? Villa have won four of their last five matches across all competitions.
How many matches has Manchester City lost recently? City have lost nine of their last 12 matches in all competitions.
What’s next for Manchester City? City face Everton at home on Boxing Day, looking to bounce back.
Where are Aston Villa and Manchester City in the Premier League table? Villa are fifth, while City sit sixth after this match.
