Match Summary: City Tops Villa

Manchester City earned a very important three points on Saturday as they beat Aston Villa by a score of 3-2.

City got off to a 2-0 start over Villa as Sergio Aguero capitalised on a poorly executed clearance attempt by Villa keeper Brad Guzan and Aleksandar Kolarov beat Guzan with a bending 25 yard free-kick.

Down two goals, it looked as if Tim Sherwood’s side was in danger of being run out of the Etihad in embarrassing fashion; but, to their credit, Villa rallied. Goals from Tom Cleverly and Carlos Sanchez leveled the score at 2-2 before Fernandinho’s 89th minute put-back ended the Villa bid for a draw.

The victory was a vital one for City as it catapulted the Blues to the second position in the standings as they leapfrogged their rivals, Manchester United and Arsenal.

For Villa, the loss has put the FA Cup finalists in danger of relegation. They currently sit just two points clear of the dreaded relegation zone.

Guzan’s blunder in the third minute was the difference in this match. The American received a smooth back pass from Villa defender Ron Vlaar, but muffed the clearance, giving City’s most dangerous attacker, in Sergio Aguero, a golden opportunity with an open net, which he converted with ease.

The win also represents a City revival. The Blues appear to be beyond the poor form that hampered them for two months. With the win against Villa, Manuel Pellegrini’s squad have strung together a series of well played matches as they look to close the season in good form.