Match Report: Aston Villa 1-1 Manchester City (Premier League)

Erling Haaland scored yet again as Manchester City were held by Aston Villa in a disappointing draw at Villa Park on Saturday evening.

Despite dominating both possession and chances created in the first half, goal-happy Manchester City could not find a way through the strong rearguard of Aston Villa.

City came out of the blocks more energised in the second-half, taking the lead through star striker Erling Haaland before being pegged back by an equaliser from Leon Bailey.

The result continues Manchester City’s unbeaten start to the 2022/23 Premier League season and extends their top-flight unbeaten run to 18 games, with their last defeat coming last season against Tottenham in February.

The first-half at Villa Park started with heavy City possession, as the in-form Premier League champions looked to maintain their excellent start to the season.

City created several chances but none yielded a goal, with the citizens going closest through Ilkay Gundogan, who closely failed to connect with a whipped Kevin De Bruyne cross.

Aston Villa had more chances as the half went on, with Ollie Watkins’ shot deflecting off John Stones and wide of Ederson’s goal, but neither side could break the deadlock.

This stalemate did not last for much longer though in the second half, as the game’s opening goal was rattled in by the man in form, Erling Haaland.

Kevin De Bruyne played a one-two with Bernardo Silva, then surged forward and whipped in a cross for Erling Haaland to smash in from close range, taking the Norwegian's tally to 10 goals in just six games.

Not long after falling behind, Aston Villa came forward and were gifted a two-on-one opportunity, after Rodri lost possession to Ollie Watkins. Ederson came out to deny Jacob Ramsey and the chance went begging.

Manchester City almost doubled their advantage when Haaland won the Citizens a free-kick in a brilliant shooting position. Kevin De Bruyne took the set piece, but saw his well-hit effort strike Emiliano Martínez’s crossbar.

After receiving several fouls from the chasing Villa players, Bernardo Silva was subbed off in place of Riyad Mahrez in what was Pep Guardiola’s first change of the match.

Just seconds after Mahrez’s introduction, Aston Villa equalised through Leon Bailey, against the run of play. Jacob Ramsey crossed in for Leon Bailey to smash home in what was the home side's first shot on target of the game.

In response to this, Pep Guardiola chose to bring on Nathan Ake to replace Kyle Walker in an attempt to get fresh legs on the field for Manchester City’s final ten minutes of the evening.

City rallied to find a late winner but were unable to do so, dropping two vital points away from home for the second time this season after a dramatic 3-3 stalemate with Newcastle United last month.

The result means that Manchester City are now in second place in the Premier League table, with league leaders Arsenal still to play on Sunday afternoon against Manchester United.