Matty Cash scored the decisive goal as Aston Villa defeated Manchester City 1-0, with standout performances earning high player ratings across the board.
Aston Villa Player Performances vs. Manchester City
Emi Martínez (Rating: 8)
The goalkeeper made a pivotal intervention early in the match, diving to his right to successfully stop Erling Haaland’s delicate shot, preventing an immediate equaliser after Villa took the lead. While his shot-stopping was excellent, his lengthy passes forward were sometimes off target.
Matty Cash (Rating: 9*)
The full-back netted his second goal of the campaign, which proved to be the winner, delivering a spectacular finish that left the City keeper helpless. This exceptional display maintains the brilliant standard he has set for himself this season.
Ezri Konsa (Rating: 8)
Returning to the starting eleven, Konsa largely held his own in a challenging duel against Haaland. Although he conceded possession around the hour mark, he quickly redeemed himself with a brilliant recovery challenge to block a subsequent cross from Savinho.
Pau Torres (Rating: 8)
Torres was instrumental in the team’s opening goal, playing a long pass that led to the corner kick from which Villa scored. He also demonstrated defensive awareness and timing with a superb block to deflect Savinho’s fierce volley away from the goal.
Lucas Digne (Rating: 8)
Despite returning from an injury that kept him out midweek, the defender rose to the significant challenge posed by City’s quick and versatile wide attackers, maintaining a strong level of performance throughout the contest.
Boubacar Kamara (Rating: 8)
A crucial element in Aston Villa’s midfield operation, Kamara once again showed why he is consistently one of the team’s most reliable performers under the current manager. He delivered a stunning aerial pass to Jadon Sancho in the second half, though the winger couldn’t convert the chance.
Amadou Onana (Rating: 8)
This was Onana’s third consecutive start, and his physical prowess proved essential against a demanding City side that forced Villa to work tirelessly out of possession. He contested aerial duels effectively in his own box and was credited with several important defensive blocks.
John McGinn (Rating: 8)
Operating from the right, the skipper consistently drifted into central midfield, adding physicality and numbers that visibly frustrated the opposition. He expertly used his body to win fouls, which effectively eased pressure on the team.
Emi Buendía (Rating: 8)
Buendía excelled in moments of counter-attack and was a genuine creative danger operating between defensive lines. He provided the decisive pass that led to Cash’s opening goal but was unfortunately forced off the field early in the first half due to an injury.
Morgan Rogers (Rating: 7)
The attacker appeared to be back to his vibrant best in the first half, skillfully escaping pressure in confined areas and successfully advancing the ball up the pitch. Starting wide on the left, he moved to a more central position after the first substitution.
Ollie Watkins (Rating: 7)
Despite a lean run of form with only one goal in his last 13 outings across all competitions, Watkins’ contribution remained vital. His intelligent movement and ability to pull opposition defenders out of position were instrumental in creating space for his teammates’ attacking runs.
Substitutes
Jadon Sancho (Rating: 6)
(Replaced Buendía, 27th minute): The substitute played on the left wing, showcasing moments of promise but also periods where his impact faded. He was later replaced in the 74th minute as the team required greater defensive stability.
Ross Barkley (Rating: 7)
(Replaced Sancho, 74th minute): He injected energy into the central areas of the pitch and used the ball intelligently. His highlight was an excellent, goal-saving block on Nico González’s shot during added time.
Evann Guessand (Rating: 6)
(Replaced McGinn, 74th minute): Provided a much-needed release option on the left side, helping the team break out of defense on a couple of occasions.
Donyell Malen (Rating: N/A)
(Replaced Watkins, 86th minute): Not enough time to be rated.
Ian Maatsen (Rating: N/A)
(Replaced Digne, 86th minute): Not enough time to be rated.