City close gap on Arsenal with comfortable win over Villa

Manchester City ended a difficult week on a positive note as they saw off Aston Villa 3-1 to move within three points of Premier League leaders Arsenal, albeit having played a game more. 

First-half goals from Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez saw City open up a commanding lead, with Ollie Watkins pulling one back for the visitors after the restart.

The hosts dominated throughout and took the lead inside four minutes when Rodri headed home Riyad Mahrez’s corner at the near post.

Ilkay Gundogan and Jack Grealish were then thwarted by the impressive Emiliano Martinez in the visiting goal before Gundogan tapped home the second after good work by Erling Haaland on 39 minutes.

City were in total control and pretty much made sure of the points on the stroke of half time when Mahrez coolly fired home a spot kick after a foul on Grealish.

Haaland did not return for the second half as a precaution relating to a possible thigh problem, but City still created chances with substitute Julian Alvarez going close on a couple of occasions.

Ollie Watkins had been feeding on scraps for Villa but he made the most of a rare opportunity just past the hour when he slipped Douglas Luiz’s pass into the far corner.

Substitute Coutinho then forced an excellent late save from Ederson but Pep Guardiola’s side held on to secure victory.

The win helps City move back above Manchester United into second spot, three points adrift of Mikel Arteta’s Gunners having played a game more, with the top two set to lock horns at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night. 

Villa stay 11th and also take on the Gunners at Villa Park when they return to action next Saturday.

Looked lively throughout. Assisted Rodri for the opening goal before scoring an emphatic penalty to cap a superb performance.