Aston Villa won their 14th home game in a row on Thursday (6 December), defeating Premier League champions Manchester City 1-0 at Villa Park.
Leon Bailey scored the game-winning goal in the 74th minute with a deflected strike, propelling Aston Villa to third place in the Premier League table.
Villa dominated the champions throughout, who have now gone four Premier League games without a win for the first time in more than seven years.
With the help of SofaScore stats, Villa News rated each Aston Villa player’s performance during the game…
8 Emi Martinez
In the first half, he made two sensational saves from Erling Haaland, demonstrating his unrivaled class at this level.
7 Ezri Konsa
As a right-back, he was pitted against an in-form Phil Foden, but he handled the challenge admirably. As he looked to advance the ball up the pitch, he drove through the heart of City’s midfield with class and assurance. Villa Park is getting better with each game.
8 Diego Carlos
Aston Villa’s surprise starter, but he justified Emery’s decision with a classy performance at the heart of the defense.
Pau Torres (8)
Had a great chance in the first half but saw his effort saved by the fantastic Ederson when you’d think the Spaniard would have scored. He was, however, as good as he’s ever been in an Aston Villa shirt, putting in a classy performance against Erling Haaland.
6 Lucas Digne
He did an excellent job defensively, winning six duels, but he was a bit wasteful offensively, completing only 25% of his crosses when in such good positions to pick out a teammate. Given his qualities, expect more.
9 John McGinn
What a player and performance from McGinn, who was all over the place against the Citizens. When it came to defense, he was there, and when it came to the final third, he was at the center of everything.
In another masterclass from the Scot international, he registered four key passes, won an incredible 13 duels, and completed 100% of his dribbles.
7 Boubacar Kamara
Kamara may not get as much attention as his midfield partners Luiz and McGinn, but he was just as influential this evening with a masterful performance in defensive midfield, winning three duels and making three key passes.
7 Douglas Luiz
At his usual classy best in midfield for Aston Villa, and given his consistent performances, we’ve run out of superlatives for the Brazilian.
7 Youri Tielemans
Given his difficult start to his career in the West Midlands, you get the impression Tielemans is now firmly established as an Aston Villa player, as evidenced by his performance against the Premier League champions. Fantastic ball outlet with some sublime trickery and skill to influence Villa’s play.
8 Leon Bailey
When John McGinn put him through on goal in the first half, he had the freedom of Birmingham, but his strike was too easy for Ederson in the end. Given his recent form, you’d bet your house on the Jamaican taking advantage of that opportunity. Aside from that, he was electric.
With a superb run and finish in a superb individual display, he grabbed the opener. He made two key passes, completed more than 60% of his dribbles, and won three ground duels.
7 Ollie Watkins
Can be disappointed with his miss just before halftime, but the England international put in a strong shift for the Villans. He worked his tail off, winning four duels, completing 100% of his dribbles, and blocking three shots in his own box.
Substitutes
Moussa Diaby (in place of Bailey 84′)
Jacob Ramsey (in for Tielemans at the 84th minute)
Alex Moreno (90′ for Digne)
Jhon Duran (subbed in for Watkins 90′)
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