Villa were put under pressure in the opening stages as Man City dominated possession and looked for a breakthrough, but it was a brilliantly disciplined and organised display from Unai Emery’s men as we overcame that and began to get a foothold.
A well-worked corner saw the ball fall to Cash on the edge of the box in the 19th minute, and after an excellent first touch to set himself, he whipped in a fine finish with his left-foot to put us ahead.
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Villa threatened after that as we looked to spring with pace on the counter, but it was the defensive performance that was most impressive as we limited City to secure all three points in a deserved victory.
It was an ideal way to bounce back from the disappointing of losing at Go Ahead Eagles in the Europa League in midweek, and we’ll hopefully be able to put together another winning run of form now as we have more tough fixtures ahead.
### Aston Villa player ratings vs Man City:
**Emiliano Martinez, 7.5 –** Didn’t have too much to do and that’s testament to his defensive line who did so well throughout. However, he was alert in his box when needed to provide us with a commanding presence and denied Haaland in the first half with a smart save.
**Matty Cash, 9 –** What a performance. Real quality to his goal as his touch and finish were top-class, but he was resolute and so disciplined defensively to keep things tight on that side of the pitch in a brilliant overall shift.
**Ezri Konsa, 8 –** Marshalled the backline really well and played a pivotal role in limiting City’s threat in our defensive third. Composed and accurate in possession.
**Pau Torres, 8 –** Similar to Konsa, as the pair produced another solid defensive display at the back, both in terms of dealing with danger and being organised. Produced an exceptional clearance practically off the line to protect our lead in a big moment in the second half.
**Lucas Digne, 8 –** Another strong defensive display as he stuck to his task so effectively on that left side, giving City very little joy as they tried to break in behind us in wide areas.
**Amadou Onana, 8.5 –** What a presence. Physical, athletic, tenacious and his positional play was top class. Made countless key interventions and clearances to help us secure a big win.
**Boubacar Kamara, 8.5 –** Worked brilliantly alongside Onana in protecting the backline, as they provided us with a shield and gave us a foothold with their disciplined and tactically intelligent performances.
**John McGinn, 8 –** The Villa skipper was full of energy as he was crucial in both phases of the game. Gave us defensive protection with his work ethic, but did so well to break forward and win free-kicks or create openings.
**Morgan Rogers, 7.5 –** Looking much sharper than earlier in the season as his touch and confidence is coming back. Couldn’t add a decisive impact but was effective in giving us a threat in transition.
**Emiliano Buendia, 7 –** Looked so bright in the early stages as he also registered an assist for our goal, but unfortunately he was forced off with an injury and it’s hoped that it isn’t anything serious that will sideline him for long which risks disrupting his momentum and rhythm.
**Ollie Watkins, 7 –** Held the ball up effectively to bring others into play and his movement off the ball was crucial to give us an outlet. However, squandered a couple of big chances as he is still lacking the confidence and clinical edge needed in front of goal.
### Substitutes:
**Jadon Sancho, 6.5 –** Retained possession well after coming on to link our play together. Wasn’t as creative or influential as midweek before being replaced in the latter stages, but another important run out for him.
**Ross Barkley, 7 –** Produced a crucial block late on to help preserve our lead while he also showed composure in possession to move us up the pitch.
**Evann Guessand, 6.5 –** Was an effective outlet down the right side as his running and work ethic helped alleviate pressure in latter stages of the game.
**Donyell Malen, N/A**