Manchester City responded successfully to Arsenal’s must-win in the title race. While Haaland and De Bruyne remained on the bench for 90 minutes against Aston Villa, three-pointer Foden was the match-winner
There was much discussion about the Sky Blues’ attack following Manchester City’s 0-0 draw against Arsenal, who had put the defending champions under additional pressure by beating Luton Town on Wednesday. The focus was always on the almost invisible Haaland, whose performance in the top games against the Londoners and Liverpool (1:1) Roy Keane had even equated with the performance of a third division player.
The Norwegian must have been keen to finally score again after two goalless league games – but surprisingly found himself on the bench, where De Bruyne also took a seat
Watkins substitute counters Rodri
However, the home side, who had changed four positions, got off to a good start at the Etihad and immediately took control of the game, from which Rodri took a deserved lead after just over ten minutes (11′). However, the fine combination was not followed by a dangerous finish for a long time. Only Grealish came close again (24).
While Pep Guardiola chose to do without his most prolific attacker, his opposite number Unai Emery was forced to do so. Three Lions striker Watkins was missing, as was regular keeper Emiliano Martinez.
Duran and Olsen came into the starting line-up as two of six newcomers compared to the 2-0 win against Wolves – and fitted in brilliantly. While Olsen saved Grealish’s shot and made an outstanding save with his foot against Alvarez (37′), the Colombian Duran proved ice-cold in the 20th minute to make it 1-1.
Zaniolo opens the door
Until shortly before the break, it looked as if the Villans would be able to take a somewhat flattering draw into the dressing room due to the constant pressure from the sky blue team. But then Zaniolo allowed himself a slip-up in the wall from a Foden free-kick, which is why the actually harmless standard hit the strong Olsen unstoppably (45.+1). A double strike almost followed, but Alvarez again failed to beat Martinez (45.+5).
The second half began just as the first had ended: Olsen won a one-on-one, this time against Bernardo Silva (48′), after which his opposite number Ortega Moreno was also able to make his mark for the first time. The former Bielefeld player saved twice from Douglas Luiz and Lenglet within a very short space of time (55′). The Villans’ final attacking efforts
Foden’s double strike to decide the game
The home side, who were not only in commanding control of the game even without De Bruyne and Haaland, were completely different: Rodri set up Foden, who slotted home directly and completed the treble just seven minutes after the brace (69′).
He had intercepted the ball himself beforehand and, with his individual action, emphatically underlined that he was a size too big for the Villans on this evening, who were even lucky with a last-ditch effort from substitute Sergio Gomez in stoppage time (90.+3).
The Sky Blues’ convincing and deserved victory means that Liverpool FC are now under pressure in the title race as they face Sheffield United on Thursday evening at 8.30pm. Manchester City continue their campaign on Saturday at 1.30pm against Crystal Palace, with Aston Villa hosting Brentford FC a little later at 4pm.
