Aston Villa deepened Manchester City’s woes with a 2-1 victory on Saturday, piling pressure on embattled manager Pep Guardiola, who now finds himself on the back of nine defeats in his last 12 games.
Jhon Duran opened the scoring for the home side with an early goal following an excellent team move, and Morgan Rogers extended Villa’s lead in the 65th minute.
Phil Foden managed a stoppage-time strike—his first Premier League goal of the season—but it was not enough to salvage a point for City.
Despite Guardiola’s optimism on Friday, where he stated, “sooner or later, things will turn around,” the aura of dominance surrounding his team appears to have evaporated.
The victory propelled Unai Emery’s Villa to fifth place in the Premier League standings, overtaking City, who continue their slide.
Guardiola made significant changes to the lineup that lost the Manchester derby, including a debut for Stefan Ortega in goal and a reshuffled backline featuring Rico Lewis, John Stones, and Manuel Akanji. Mateo Kovacic and Jack Grealish also returned to the fold.
However, the visitors started shakily and could have fallen behind in the opening minute.
Josko Gvardiol’s error allowed John McGinn to seize possession and set up Duran, whose powerful shot was tipped behind by Ortega.
Villa nearly found the net moments later when Pau Torres was denied by Ortega’s spectacular save following the ensuing corner.
Despite City dominating possession—clocking over 75 percent—they struggled to carve out meaningful opportunities.
Villa, in contrast, capitalized on their chances, with Duran finishing clinically after an exquisite build-up play.
Youri Tielemans’ inch-perfect through ball released Rogers, who breezed past City’s defence before setting up Duran for his seventh league goal of the season.
City’s best first-half chances came from Foden’s shot, which tested Emiliano Martinez, and Gvardiol’s wayward header from a Grealish cross.
Guardiola introduced Kyle Walker at halftime in place of Stones, but Villa continued to threaten. Matty Cash fired into the side netting early in the second half, while Duran had a goal disallowed for offside shortly thereafter.
Rogers struck the post following another flowing attack, but he finally doubled Villa’s lead after latching onto McGinn’s assist and finishing with precision.
City’s response was muted until Foden capitalized on a late opening to grab a consolation goal, but it was too little, too late for the reigning champions.
