Aston Villa continue their winning momentum with their third consecutive home league victory of the year with a 2-1 win over reigning champions Manchester City at Villa Park.
Jhon Duran broke the deadlock in the 16th minute, converting from close range after being set up by Morgan Rogers. Rogers, facing his former club, extended Villa’s lead just after the hour mark. Despite a late strike from Phil Foden deep into second-half stoppage time, Villa held firm to secure the win.
This result marks Villa’s second straight home league triumph over Pep Guardiola’s side, following last season’s 1-0 victory. It is the first time Villa have recorded back-to-back home league wins against City since 1993.
We explored how each Villa player performed against a struggling City side.
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Aston Villa Player Ratings
Martinez handled everything thrown at him in the first half and was booked at half-time for a heated exchange with opposition players.
The Argentinian was visibly frustrated to lose out on a second consecutive home clean sheet.
Matty Cash - 7
Cash set the tone early with a couple of tough tackles on Grealish. The ex-Villa captain pushed for a booking after Cash’s second foul, which eventually came on the next one. Cash adapted well in the second half, keeping Grealish under control in 1v1 scenarios.
Ezri Konsa - 8
Konsa and Torres combined brilliantly to neutralise Haaland. Performances showing such nous and composure like this against top strikers highlights the leap that Konsa has taken under Emery.
Pau Torres - 8
Torres nearly opened the scoring with a powerful header from Digne’s cross, forcing a top save from Ortega. Defensively, he was excellent in limiting Haaland’s impact.
Haaland struggled to create any separation to feet or in behind - much of that was down to Torres' man marking and awareness.
Lucas Digne - 7
Digne’s corner deliveries were consistently dangerous, testing Ortega on several occasions. His relentless work rate down the flank is often overlooked but crucial to Villa’s play.
A few moments of sloppiness however, with an unlucky moment in lead up to Foden's goal as the Frenchman couldn't get hold of the ball.
Boubacar Kamara - 8
Kamara was immense, disrupting City’s play and distributing the ball with precision. His presence and control in midfield mirrored exactly what City missed without Rodri.
A performance that he will be hoping keeps him in the team as a stalwart start, moving forward.
Amadou Onana - 8
Onana was the only change from the previous match and slotted seamlessly alongside Kamara. The pair formed a solid double pivot, showcasing strong chemistry in their first start together.
Physical dominance is a trait often associated with the Belgian and it is easy to see why.
John McGinn - 8
McGinn was lively down the right early on, consistently troubling Gvardiol. His energy drove Villa forward, and his influence was evident in the team’s performance.
Harassing the opponent even in the last stages of the game only highlights the level of willingness and dedication McGinn possesses for the shirt.
Youri Tielemans - 9
Tielemans' perfectly weighted pass set up Rogers for the assist on Duran’s goal. Operating closer to the striker, Tielemans thrived in a more advanced role, using his intelligence to outthink defenders.
Awarded MOTM by Ally McCoist and it did not come as much of a surprise. The Belgian was everywhere throughout the clash.
Morgan Rogers - 9
Rogers bagged his third assist of the season, his first since September. He played with real confidence, driving past City players and creating opportunities in key moments.
Physically polished yet still displayed brilliant ball retention - Rogers looked unplayable at moments.
Jhon Duran - 9
Duran led the line for a third straight game and quickly redeemed an early miss by slotting home from Rogers' pass. His goal was a reward for his persistence and sharp movement.
Everything Duran tried today, came off. The hold-up play on display from the striker was first class. Another top performance from a striker consistently proving himself as one of the league's best.
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Substitutes
Ollie Watkins - 7
Did not have much involvement coming on other than a shot on target, which on another day, may well have found the back of the net.
Emiliano Buendia - N/A
