Cash on target as Aston Villa hand Manchester City their first defeat since August

Villa hold firm

After the break, Villa’s defence survived a chaotic moment near the hour mark as Savinho fired two shots on target – the first was blocked, and the second was scooped off the line by defender Pau Torres.

Villa had chances to extend their lead as Jadon Sancho, who replaced Buendia, cut in from the left in the 69th minute and fired twice at Donnarumma, but the Italian keeper blocked both efforts.

Watkins had only the keeper to beat when he chased a through ball into City’s box six minutes later, but Donnarumma dropped quickly to keep it out.

Haaland, who had scored in his last 12 matches for club and country, found the net near the 90th minute — only for the goal to be ruled out for offside in the build-up. City failed to find an equaliser, succumbing to their third straight defeat at Villa Park.

“Our pressing was really bad — we arrived two seconds late to every duel,” City captain Bernardo Silva told Sky Sports. “That was the feeling, even though our offensive concepts were quite good. When our pressing isn’t good, we don’t play well.

“It’s still a long way to go. I don’t want to draw too many conclusions. We’d love to be at the top, but we’re not.”

City visit Swansea City in a League Cup clash on Wednesday, while Villa continue their league campaign at title-holders Liverpool on Saturday.