Manchester City and United make headlines in latest Premier League drama: Matchday 15 review

Manchester City were completely outplayed by Aston Villa in their 1-0 defeat at Villa Park. The Premier League champions only registered two shots on target during the entire game, the fewest ever by a Pep Guardiola in his 535 games as manager. Both opportunities fell to Erling Haaland, who was denied by Emiliano Martinez from close range each time.

On the other hand, Aston Villa registered 22 shots against the Sky Blues, the most against a Guardiola team, with Leon Bailey scoring the only goal of the game. 

And in the process, Unai Emery earned his first-ever win against Guardiola in a statement win. The Villans have now moved up to third in the table and are genuine title contenders, only four points behind league leaders Arsenal while City remain six behind the Gunners with 30. 

Manchester City outplayed by Aston Villa in shocking defeat 

With Rodri absent, Guardiola’s side struggled to gain control of the game and were swarmed by John McGinn and Douglas Luiz in the centre of the park. And in the process, the home team were able to dictate the game in a way no other team has ever been able to against the Catalonian. 

Rodri’s return can’t happen soon enough, but Guardiola will have a blanket in the fact that their next games are against relatively weaker opposition in Luton Town, Crystal Palace, Everton and Sheffield United. 

Kevin De Bruyne has also been named in the FIFA Club World Cup squad, meaning his return is expected soon. And if the Belgian is indeed able to regain match fitness in the coming weeks, City could be right back to their very best. 

Manchester United win at home with McTominay brace 

Scott McTominay has established a newfound identity for himself as a menace in the opposition box. The midfielder has the instinct of a striker and Erik Ten Hag took full advantage of his striker-esque instinct by allowing him a poacher’s role. 

United were far more energetic and aggressive in their press against Chelsea, who looked very weak when playing the ball out from the back. And in spite of another moment of brilliance from Cole Palmer, the Blues were outplayed in almost every aspect as Manchester United won at home. 

Mauricio Pochettino did have a huge number of injuries to deal with, as there were few lucrative options on the bench. But with only a game a week this season, such excuses can only fetch so much sympathy for the Argentine who has come increasingly under fire for the team’s lacklustre performances.