Goals from Jhon Duran and Morgan Rogers seal a 2-1 victory as City’s dismal run in the Premier League continues.
Manchester City’s struggles in the Premier League deepened with a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa at Villa Park, marking their sixth defeat in their last eight league matches. Goals from Jhon Duran and Morgan Rogers delivered a comfortable win for Unai Emery’s side, who now leap above the reigning champions in the table.
City’s late glimmer of hope came from Phil Foden, who netted in the dying moments, but it was too little, too late for Pep Guardiola’s team.
A Rocky Start for City
The match began ominously for City, with Villa pressing aggressively from the first whistle. Just 16 minutes in, Youri Tielemans unlocked City’s defense with a brilliant through ball to Rogers, who squared it perfectly for Duran to fire home.
Despite glimpses of creativity, including a sharp effort from Foden that forced a save from Villa keeper Emi Martinez, City struggled to find rhythm. Their woes deepened when Morgan Rogers doubled Villa’s lead in the 65th minute, capping off a sweeping move he initiated with a burst down the middle.
Guardiola’s Tactical Shifts Fall Short
Guardiola made four changes following Sunday’s derby defeat to Manchester United, with key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Ederson absent, and Ruben Dias sidelined due to injury. The reshuffled lineup failed to inspire, with City’s attack looking increasingly toothless. Erling Haaland, typically a dominant presence, was frustrated throughout.
City pulled a goal back in the 89th minute when Lucas Digne’s slip allowed Foden to pounce, but the Villa defense held firm as the home crowd celebrated at the final whistle.
A Resurgent Villa
Villa’s emphatic performance underlines their strong form, with Duran scoring his third league goal in three games. Rogers, a former Manchester City academy player, shone with a goal and assist, showcasing the depth of Villa’s attacking options.
For Guardiola’s City, the defeat raises questions about their form and squad depth as they look to recover from a troubling mid-season slump.
Villa Park erupted in cheers as the hosts secured a well-earned victory, while City will need to regroup and find solutions to reignite their faltering campaign.
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