Matty Cash’s first-half strike earned Aston Villa a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester City in Sunday’s Premier League clash at Villa Park, extending Villa’s impressive home form and halting City’s unbeaten run stretching back to August.
The Poland international struck in the 19th minute from the edge of the area after a cleverly worked corner from Emiliano Buendia, guiding the ball past a rooted Ederson. The goal proved decisive in a tightly contested encounter where Villa combined tactical discipline with defensive resilience.
Erling Haaland had the chance to level soon after but was denied one-on-one by Emiliano Martinez, whose sharp reflexes maintained Villa’s lead. Captain John McGinn came close to doubling it with a deflected effort on his 200th Premier League appearance.
City improved after the interval, pushing higher up the pitch and testing Villa’s defence with increasing regularity. Tijjani Reijnders sliced wide after a weaving run, while Savinho twice went close only to see Pau Torres clear one effort from near the goal line.
At the other end, McGinn’s volley was blocked from another low corner, showing Villa’s continued threat from set-pieces. City thought they had found a late equaliser when Haaland bundled home from Omar Marmoush’s cross, but the flag went up for offside, adding to their frustration.
The result marked a third successive home league win for Villa over City and their fourth Premier League victory in a row. Cash, whose two league goals against City equal his best return against any opponent, was the hero of the afternoon.
Buendia’s injury in the first half was the only blemish on an otherwise flawless performance. Villa’s relentless home form continues, and Unai Emery’s side look every bit a force to be reckoned with in the title conversation.
