Manchester City vs Aston Villa Recap

            With Chelsea sitting comfortably at the top of the table, and an uninspiring start to the season for these champions of last season, a win and three points were crucial to City against Aston Villa today. Sluggish and under-performing players have been just one of things hindering the start of the team. Looking to reign English champions yet again this season, Manchester City needed a win and for certain players to “wake up” and reach top form.

            With 68% of the possession throughout the game and 7 shots on goal for a total of 27 shots, Manchester City seemed to be the likely winners. Keeping composed and continuously attacking, City held control of the game for the most part. However, as City kept sending men forward to get involved in the attack, Aston Villa gained more chances on the counter attack and appeared to still be in the fight, with the score remaining 0-0 at half.

            Yet again, players including Yaya Toure were not playing at their best, and it was showing as the game could still go either way. Toure seemed to be only barely enduring another uneventful game for him, and critics still had a point. Attempt after attempt City attacked, but the score still held even at 0, but City kept at it. Finally, at 8 minutes before full time, Yaya Toure hits a long-range strike past the keeper, putting his team up and his critics to rest. From there, City could only grow stronger, with another goal by Sergio Aguero 6 minutes later, seemingly placing Manchester City far enough ahead to last the remaining 2 minutes to a victory. After 90 minutes of possession dominated by City and little attacking power, but defensive composure, from Aston Villa, Manchester City were finally able to reach a much-needed victory over their opponents. This may have been a critical awakening for a large group of City players, and it will be further proven after the next few games, showing whether or not City has a chance at reaching the top of the Premier League once again. Also, the game proves the defensive composure and endurance of the Aston Villa side, holding City to no goals up until the final 10 minutes. If one or more of Villa’s counter attacks would have resulted in a goal, the game could have had a completely different outcome and City may not have been in a position to succeed in the league this season.