City march on
Manchester City took another step closer to the Premier League title as they came from behind to beat Aston Villa 2-1. The victory ended a run of back to back defeats and a couple of crazy days for the club.
However, the evening didn’t go all to plan as John Stones was shown a straight red on 44 minutes, just after they had gone in front, when VAR urged the referee to check the pitch side monitor for a high challenge on Jacob Ramsey.
#MCFC are down to 10 men! 🟥
Stones is shown his marching orders after a high and reckless challenge on Ramsey in front of England boss Gareth Southgate!
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📲 Download the @SkySports app! pic.twitter.com/cexUSZIuBw— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 21, 2021
It was his first ever red card and also in front of Gareth Southgate. The decision left Pep Guardiola furious who was animated talking to the officials as the half ended.
City fell behind after 21 seconds when Ollie Watkins played a lovely pass to John McGinn who fired Villa ahead.
Blink and you’ll miss it! 👁️
John McGinn gives #AVFC the lead inside 20 seconds at Villa Park!
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📲 Download the @SkySports app! pic.twitter.com/EHztiUfFXW— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 21, 2021
The goal awakened City who pulled level after 22 minutes following a fine team goal started by Ederson and finished by Phil Foden 12 yards out after Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva also were involved.
What a goal from #MCFC!
Pep Guardiola’s side are level and it’s pure quality from Phil Foden!
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📲 Download the @SkySports app! pic.twitter.com/Q3Lrki6IQI— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 21, 2021
The winning goal came in the 39th minute when Rodri glanced home Bernardo Silva’s cross and it was no less than City deserved.
#MCFC have turned it around!
It’s no more than Man City deserve, but should Emi Martinez have done better?
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📲 Download the @SkySports app! pic.twitter.com/SiSYtAhab8— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 21, 2021
The second half promised much but Matty Cash received two quick yellow cards and was sent off in the 56th minute which effectively killed the game as City held on to claim all 3 points.
Serious Player
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 01: Phil Foden of Manchester City crosses the ball during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester City and Fulham at Etihad Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
It was another excellent night for Phil Foden and Pep Guardiola sang his praises in his post match interview.
“We played so good. After 10 against 11 and after Cash was sent off, it was a really good performance. The Premier League is the most important title to win.
“We controlled the game when it was 10 against 10. It was late [John Stones’ challenge] but the intention was no. Now because we have won I am happy. If we had lost I’d be unhappy.
“We did a good game. This guy [Phil Foden] is growing. His influence in our games is massive. He’s becoming a serious player. Phil right now is becoming such an important player. His influence in the final third is so important.”
🗣 “It’s hard not to get excited by this guy, you can’t keep him out of this team.”
Jamie Redknapp & @DarrenBent speak about the versatility of Phil Foden & his place in the England set-up pic.twitter.com/aft9pT5gS3
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) April 21, 2021
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