- Manchester City 1-0 Aston Villa
- Antoine Semenyo (23′)
Manchester City put in a completely dominant display in the first half to take a one-goal lead into the break.
The match certainly had the feel of two teams having nothing to play for as City controlled the majority of the first half.
Villa struggled to play out from the back against City’s high-press, leading to only 43% possession.
Bernardo Silva had an opportunity to score in his final game for the Citizens, but had his near post effort well saved by Marco Bizot.
Pep Guardiola’s side eventually made their pressure count when Antoine Semenyo side footed a flick on by Andrés García from a corner. He was left unmarked at the back post, having time to slot his effort past Bizot into the far corner, for his 17th goal of the season.
The Villans continued to struggle in possession as Savinho nearly netted a second moments after the opener.
Tijjani Reijnders then had a chance to double City’s lead just before the break, but his strike was well saved by Bizot.
The first-half drew to a close with the home side well on top.
Here are ReadAstonVilla’s half-time ratings:
Marco Bizot – 6
Made a decent save to prevent Silva at the near post, and followed up with a sharp save against Reijnders. Seemed composed in possession despite the high-press from City. Was unsighted for the opener.
Andrés García – 5
Beaten very easily by Lewis a few times in the first half. Not been able to get forward due to the lack of possession.
Victor Lindelöf – 5
Been calm when playing out from the back. Hasn’t had to defend too much as City had most of the possession on the edge of Villa’s penalty area.
Tyrone Mings – 5
Most touches for Villa in the first half. Made quite a good run to get Villa out of their first half.
Ian Maatsen – 4
Struggled to play out from the back and Semenyo has had a field day against him on the right. His performances have declined in the last month.
Lamare Bogarde – 4
Not strong enough in midfield and so hasn’t been able to cut anything out.
Douglas Luiz – 4
Poor in possession, and like Bogarde, was far too weak physically.
Leon Bailey – 5
Only made four passes in the whole of the first half. Made a couple of decent runs, but failed at the last pass. Hasn’t helped García defensively.
Ross Barkley – 4
Lost the ball numerous times, and made it easy for City to bypass him.
Emi Buendía – 5
Has tried to spark a bit of intensity into his side, but has lacked the support. Certainly Villa’s brightest player, but hasn’t had enough of the ball to make an impact.
Ollie Watkins – 5
Was a passenger in the first half. Had no service by his teammates so wasn’t in the game at all.
