Manchester City’s crisis deepened as they suffered another damaging defeat at Aston Villa.
Goals from Jhon Duran and Morgan Rogers left Phil Foden’s late reply as little more than a consolation for the visitors.
The defending champions have dropped to sixth place in the Premier League, now nine points behind leaders Liverpool, having played two more games. Meanwhile, Villa have moved ahead of them into fifth place.
This defeat marked City’s ninth loss in their last 12 matches across all competitions, with the team still winless in their last eight away games, as their season continues to spiral downward.
Pep Guardiola made six changes following their defeat in the Manchester derby last week, but the team’s performance remained sluggish.
Aston Villa, who had won just three of their previous 11 league matches, secured a vital victory that keeps their top-four aspirations alive. They were rarely troubled, although Emi Martinez made a solid save from Foden in the first half, and Villa found numerous ways to break through City’s shaky defense.
The game’s tone was set early, as City were rescued twice by Stefan Ortega, who was filling in for the injured Ederson. Ortega made a brilliant save, turning Pau Torres’ header onto the bar and then clearing the ball from near the line after a Duran shot following a mistake by Josko Gvardiol just 15 seconds into the match.
City’s situation worsened in the 16th minute when Youri Tielemans played a brilliant through-ball to Rogers, who squared the ball for Duran to score past Ortega.
City struggled to respond, and Rogers, who spent two years at Etihad Stadium without playing a senior match for City, sealed the win for Villa with a low finish in the 65th minute, making Foden’s injury-time goal meaningless.
City’s Struggles Show No Signs of Ending
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Lacking confidence, City’s players continued their alarming slump, and there was little indication that it would end anytime soon. From the outset, a mistake by Gvardiol allowed Duran a chance to score just 15 seconds into the match, but City rarely improved from that point.
Over the past 12 games, there have been few signs that Guardiola’s side will return to their former dominant selves, and their hopes of securing a fifth consecutive title are now in tatters.
Rather than defending their Premier League crown, City’s priority must now be finding a way to escape a nosedive that is putting their top-four position at risk.
Sitting sixth, nine points behind leaders Liverpool, the once-dominant champions desperately need a boost of confidence. The transfer window next month may offer a chance for reinforcements, and it seems inevitable that they will strengthen their squad.
Jack Grealish failed to make an impact at his former club, having joined City for £100m in 2021, and Erling Haaland barely had any influence on the game. Only Rico Lewis and Stefan Ortega emerged with credit from the match.
There seemed to be a lack of leadership on the pitch, possibly due to the team’s waning confidence, and Guardiola now finds himself in unfamiliar territory as his side struggles.
Rogers Shows City What They Are Missing
Morgan Rogers never made a senior appearance for Manchester City during his two years at the Etihad. After leaving for Middlesbrough in the summer of 2023, the 22-year-old returned to Villa Park to face his former club, receiving a standing ovation from the home fans when he was substituted late in the match.
Rogers outshone the returning Grealish, providing an assist for Duran’s goal and later sealing victory with a well-timed run and pass exchange with John McGinn.
This performance highlights Unai Emery’s talent for spotting potential and developing players, as Rogers has made an immediate impact after joining Villa from Boro in February, despite doubts about his potential even at Riverside Stadium.
Rogers was instrumental in securing a vital win for Villa. While their inconsistent form this season has made it harder to see them as serious challengers, they remain firmly in the hunt for a top-four spot. Only goal difference separates them from Nottingham Forest in fourth place, and their strong position will likely bolster Villa’s chances in next month’s transfer market.