Aston Villa delivered a dominant performance to beat Manchester City 2-1 in the Premier League, extending the reigning champions' dismal run to just one win in their last 12 matches.
City have now suffered more defeats in this stretch than in their previous 107 games combined.
Both teams entered this clash seeking a spark to reignite their faltering campaigns, but Villa seized the moment with intent and energy.
Jhon Duran missed an early chance after capitalizing on Josko Gvardiol’s misplaced pass, but the warning signs were there. Stefan Ortega kept City in it with a brilliant save to deny Pau Torres from a corner.
Villa’s pressure paid off in the 16th minute when Morgan Rogers surged through City’s shaky defense and set up Duran, who slotted home confidently.
City controlled possession after going behind, with Jack Grealish heavily involved against his former side. Yet, as has been the pattern in recent weeks, they lacked cutting edge.
Gvardiol’s first-half header sailed over, summing up their toothless attack.
Villa started the second half brightly. Matty Cash hit the side netting, and Duran had a goal ruled out for offside. The Villans were relentless, with Rogers hitting the post before combining with John McGinn to score Villa's second in the 65th minute.
City barely threatened. Phil Foden’s late strike in stoppage time, his first Premier League goal of the season, served as mere consolation. Villa, on the other hand, could have added a third through Ollie Watkins but found Ortega in the way again.
This win lifts Villa to fifth in the table, while City drop further, raising serious questions about their faltering defense and lack of urgency. Can Guardiola turn things around before the champions' title hopes slip away entirely?
For Villa, unbeaten in their last eight home league games, this result confirms their growing momentum under Unai Emery. Are they emerging as genuine contenders for European qualification?