Leaders Manchester City got back to winning ways with a hard fought 2-1 win at Villa Park on Wednesday evening to make it ten consecutive Premier League away wins.
Pep Guardiola’s side secured all three points and are now just eight points away from mathematically securing this year’s Premier League title.
Aston Villa opened the scoring within just 21 seconds from the kick-off, thanks to a quick free-kick from Tyrone Mings and finished off by John McGinn.
Goals from Phil Foden and Rodri helped turn the match on its head but there was yet another set back soon after when Stones was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Jacob Ramsey.
This now means the Englishman will now miss the Carabao Cup final on Sunday. He will then miss the Premier League trip to Crystal Palace and the home clash with Chelsea.
After having a chance to watch the challenge back again, Guardiola admitted that the challenge was late but still believes a red card was harsh.
Aston Villa were also reduced to 10 men when Matty Cash was dismissed for fouling Foden, after two quickfire yellow cards.
The hosts had not played for 11 days, in which time City had a gruelling Champions League quarter-final win at Dortmund and a FA Cup semi-final defeat by Chelsea.
Guardiola made eight changes to freshen his squad they gradually began to dominate, with Riyad Mahrez testing Emi Martinez after 20 minutes.
The hosts remain 11th with any European hopes they had slipping away.
