Aston Villa marked Unai Emery’s third anniversary in charge with a statement win, defeating Manchester City 1–0 at Villa Park on Sunday. Matty Cash’s first-half strike proved decisive as Villa extended their impressive Premier League form and ended City’s nine-match unbeaten streak in all competitions.
The victory, Villa’s fourth consecutive league win, also secured a third straight home triumph over Pep Guardiola’s side, lifting Emery’s men to seventh in the table. For City, the loss leaves them six points behind league leaders Arsenal, raising fresh concerns over their title defence.
City started brightly, with Tijjani Reijnders firing narrowly over in the sixth minute, but Villa quickly settled and took control. The breakthrough came in the 19th minute when a clever short corner routine found Emiliano Buendia, whose cross was cushioned by Cash before he drilled a precise low shot into the bottom corner past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City had a rare chance to equalise soon after, as Bernardo Silva slipped Erling Haaland through on goal, but the Norwegian’s effort was saved by Emiliano Martínez, a moment that summed up City’s frustrating afternoon.
Villa continued to dominate, with John McGinn and Ollie Watkins both going close before halftime. McGinn nearly doubled the lead after the break, his strike deflecting off John Stones before being cleared.
Despite City’s late pressure, Villa’s defence held firm. Ezri Konsa blocked Savinho’s fierce drive, and Pau Torres cleared the follow-up off the line. Substitute Jadon Sancho nearly made it two for Villa in the 69th minute but was twice denied by Donnarumma from tight angles.
City thought they had salvaged a point in the 89th minute when Haaland tapped in at the far post, but the goal was rightly disallowed after Phil Foden was flagged offside in the buildup.
When the final whistle blew, Villa Park erupted, Emery’s men had not only celebrated a milestone but also reminded the league’s heavyweights that they’re genuine contenders for European football once again.