Aston Villa reignited the Premier League title race on Sunday with a determined 1–0 victory over reigning champions Manchester City, as Matty Cash’s decisive first-half strike ended City’s nine-match unbeaten run and sent Villa Park into wild celebration.
The victory was a testament to Villa’s growing confidence under Unai Emery while also exposing rare vulnerabilities in Pep Guardiola’s side, whose rhythm and control appeared to falter.
City started the game on the front foot, moving the ball with their usual intent, but their early spark faded as Villa’s organised defence and relentless pressing took control. Erling Haaland, normally City’s main threat, endured a difficult afternoon, denied twice by the outstanding Emiliano Martínez and watching a potential late equaliser ruled out for offside.
When the final whistle sounded, Haaland’s expression of frustration summed up the champions’ mood: City’s dominance is no longer guaranteed, and their momentum has clearly stalled.
The breakthrough came in the 35th minute when Matty Cash pounced on a loose ball at the edge of the box and powered a precise strike past Gianluigi Donnarumma, giving Villa a well-earned lead. From that moment, the hosts stood firm, defending with grit and unity as the home fans roared with every tackle, block, and clearance.
Despite enjoying 70% possession, City struggled to create clear chances. Haaland’s two missed opportunities were the closest they came as Villa’s structure blunted their attacks. After the game, Guardiola admitted his side must improve. “We have to step up,” he said. “It’s not enough to rely on one player. Everyone has to take responsibility to score.”
With Arsenal extending their lead at the top of the table to six points, City now face a crucial challenge in keeping their title defence alive.
Unai Emery, meanwhile, praised his players’ determination and discipline. “We needed everything to stop them, discipline, energy, and togetherness,” he said proudly.
The win marked Villa’s second triumph over City in less than a year and underlined their growing status as genuine contenders. For the first time in a long while, Manchester City find themselves chasing the pace rather than setting it.
