What happened?
Manchester City beat Aston Villa 2-0 to make it six league wins in a row and were briefly on top of the Premier League table for the first time since August 2019.
Man City make it 6️⃣ #PL wins in a row#MCIAVL pic.twitter.com/4wgIn16OKc
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 20, 2021
Bernardo Silva scored his first league goal of the season and Ilkay Gundogan had no problem converting a penalty just before the full time whistle.
Aston Villa were solid in defense and were good on the counter. They executed their game plan well, until finally conceding in the 79th minute.
The Controversy
The game had its fair bit of controversy. Manchester City midfielder Rodri seemed miles offside in the build up to their first goal, as he came in and tackled Tyrone Mings from an offside position.
“I still don’t understand the rule if I’m honest,” he said. “I don’t think anybody can tell me why the goal’s been given; he’s taken advantage of an offside position.” said an unhappy Dean Smith post match.
Tyrone Mings was also vocal in his disdain regarding the first goal on social media.
https://t.co/VBY5fnztzr pic.twitter.com/hEdOmoVRQe
— Tyrone Mings (@OfficialTM_3) January 21, 2021
Dean Smith was sent off by referee Jon Moss following the controversial first goal.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on the other hand was delighted with his team’s performance.
For the first time this season, Guardiola said his team are playing like “contenders”
“The rise in the table is good, we are there; when we lost to Tottenham we were 12th in the table. But we have only lost two games this season, but the most important thing apart from the three points and six victories in a row.”
What next?
Manchester City travel to League Two club Cheltenham Town for their FA Cup fourth round tie on Saturday. The Premier League giants won the trophy under Guardiola in 2019 and will be hungry to win it again.
Aston Villa face out of form Newcastle at home next on Sunday. Dean Smith’s side will be looking to get back to winning ways after a disappointing night in Manchester.
