The Statistics Say It All
A look at the statistics of the match between Aston Villa and defending champions Manchester City at Villa Park yesterday, encapsulates the story of a struggling Manchester City and the rise of Aston Villa under Manager Unai Emery. The Blues lost to Villa by a solitary goal in the cold of the night and for the first time in over 7 years have gone without a win in 4 straight games.
Sharp Villa Outpace City
Aston Villa gave Manchester City a taste of their own medicine by playing fearless, audacious and enterprising football. The City goal was under severe pressure right through the game with Villa pounding the goal 22 times. With a suspended Rodri missing from the defence, City have been loose at the back, with the pace of Leon Bailey, too hot to handle. Though Bailey scored in the 74th minute, Villa were good for more, just that Ederson saved further damage.
City and their Midfield Woes
Manchester City who are known for their free spirited, slick moving football, could not score, is a testament to the stoic defence of Villa and also to the problems being faced by City in the midfield. The great Kevin de Bruyne is injured and City have yet to fill the big boots of former captain and playmaker Ilkay Gundogan. The striking ability of the Blues is unquestionable, but the feeder system in the midfield may not be delivering. It’s difficult to believe that in the entire match City had just 2 strikes on goal.
City No Invincibles Anymore
The void in Manchester City’s line up is not going unnoticed and there is no doubt that Aston Villa’s performance will give much heart to the rest of the teams in the EPL. Manchester City are no longer looking the invincible side they were and Pep Guardiola for the first time in a few years beset with problems to address. However, writing off the Blues so early would be sheer foolishness. The champion team have immense character and have the ability to bounce back from any position.
Beware
The Blues have lost just a bit of sheen, but beware, a bit of needle might just be the motivation they need to get their sparkle back. While Villa deservedly are enjoying their radiance under the sun.
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Featured Image : Leon Bailey for Aston Villa