Manchester City have closed the gap to Arsenal with a routine 3-1 victory over Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.
City started the first half brilliantly and were ahead inside five minutes thanks to Rodri’s fine header from a corner. The Blues had plenty of the ball from then onwards but would have to wait until the 39th minute to get their second.
A forward ball was not dealt with by Callum Chambers allowing Erling Haaland to chase it down. Emi Martinez did well to close down the angle for the Norwegian but the 22-year-old managed to fire the ball low and hard across the face for Ilkay Gundogan to tap home.
The Blues’ third came from the spot. Jack Grealish was clipped by Jacob Ramsey in front of the Villa fans with the referee having little choice but to give the penalty.
After some debate, Riyad Mahrez was allowed the chance to convert the spot kick which he did comfortably. The second 45 was less than a classic and City had to survive a scare when a mistake by Bernardo Silva allowed Ollie Watkins a chance which he took comfortably.
City were never in any real danger though and are now three points behind Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.
