Midlands | Villa fantastic in memorable win over Man City

Aston Villa 1 - 0 Manchester City 

Unai Emery celebrated three years as  Villa boss with a hard-fought win to end Manchester City's nine-game unbeaten run.

Author | Peter Grainger 

Stadium | Villa Park

The decisive goal arrived after 19 minutes when Matty Cash guided a left-footed strike into the corner from the edge of the area following a corner. The visitors were left frustrated, convinced that Lucas Digne had fouled Matheus Nunes in the moments leading up to the set-piece.

The mood has shifted dramatically...

Aston Villa opened the season with six games without a win, finding the net only twice in that spell. The mood has shifted dramatically since then, with six victories in their last seven matches signalling a resurgence filled with purpose and confidence.

They achieved a feat not seen in the top flight since Preston North End in 1936-37, becoming the only team to start a campaign with five winless league games and then triumph in the next four.

While Thursday’s European setback was a reminder of the challenges ahead, Villa quickly reset, delivering a disciplined and impressive clean sheet against one of the Premier League’s most in-form sides.

Unai Emery’s impact continues to define this transformation. Arriving from Villarreal to rescue a team hovering just three points above the relegation zone, he led them to the Champions League and came close to repeating the achievement last season.

This victory marked a third consecutive league win over Manchester City at a vibrant Villa Park, something last achieved in 1960 and 1975. The supporters, once anxious after a stumbling start, are now firmly behind their manager.

At the back, Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres produced assured performances to limit Erling Haaland’s influence, with Amadou Onana adding a strong protective presence in midfield.

The defensive unit deserved the acclaim, and it felt apt that right-back Matty Cash delivered the decisive strike, guiding the ball past a static Gianluigi Donnarumma for his second goal of the campaign.

Best fan reaction

Harriet: A superb result from a tireless side packed with quality and guided by an excellent manager.

Sammy: There is a greater balance now and a sense that we can dictate matches once we take the lead. We are still a touch short in attack, but that should improve as Sancho and Elliott push for starting places. Delighted that Unai could mark his three-year milestone here with a victory. He is already a legend.

Kris: We showed the greater desire compared to Manchester City. A fine finish from Matty Cash and outstanding defending after the break. Bodies on the line, commitment everywhere. A complete team display.