Manchester Metropolis’s depressing run of type continued as Aston Villa leapfrogged Pep Guardiola’s facet into fifth with a deserved victory over the faltering Premier League champions.

Objectives from Jhon Duran and Morgan Rogers, who struck in opposition to his former membership, condemned Metropolis to a 3rd defeat in a row and ninth loss of their final 12 video games in all competitions.

Metropolis have been out-run by Unai Emery’s facet, who rediscovered their type with a stirring efficiency in entrance of their house followers. It was a day to neglect for Jack Grealish, Metropolis’s brightest participant on his return to Villa Park, who was booed all through one other lackluster efficiency from Guardiola’s crew.

Villa began brightly and Duran had the prospect to open the scoring after simply 15 seconds. The striker transformed his second alternative to complete a flowing transfer on quarter-hour, instigated by a superb Youri Tielemans move. Dominant after half-time, Rogers wrapped up victory on the hour.

Metropolis had no response, with Erling Haaland nameless and Kevin De Bruyne remaining on the bench all through as an unused substitute. Phil Foden pulled one again with seconds left, however it was too little too late as Metropolis drop to sixth within the desk, with Villa climbing into fifth. Observe all of the response in our stay weblog under.

Aston Villa v Man Metropolis LIVE

• FULL TIME! Sensible Aston Villa add extra distress to Man Metropolis and Pep Guardiola

• Objectives from Jhon Duran and Morgan Rogers elevate Villa above Metropolis into fifth

• 9 defeats in 12 video games for Man Metropolis, as extraordinary disaster continues

• 90+3’ GOAL! Phil Foden pulls one again with first of the season (AVL 2-1 MCI)

• 65’ GOAL! Morgan Rogers doubles Villa’s result in improve distress on Metropolis (AVL 2-0 MCI)

• 60’ POST! Rogers shut as Villa dominate after half time (AVL 1-0 MCI)

• 43’ CHANCE! Josko Gvardiol heads over from Jack Grealish cross (AVL 1-0 MCI)

• 16’ GOAL! Beautiful Villa transfer as Jhon Duran fires hosts in entrance (AVL 1-0 MCI)

• 1’ SAVE! Duran misses probability after which Ortega claws off the road (AVL 0-0 MCI)

Aston Villa FC 2 – 1 Manchester Metropolis FC

Resigned Pep Guardiola alerts the whole breakdown of all-conquering Man Metropolis

16:24 , Richard Jolly

An obsessive Spanish supervisor had taken his adopted membership to uncommon heights. Then got here a chastening spell of 11 video games, suffering from setbacks, sending his crew tumbling down the desk, bringing their ambitions into query. However this victory was emphatic and spectacular, providing aid and respite. A stoop could also be over.

However not for Pep Guardiola. As a result of, for Unai Emery and Aston Villa, Manchester Metropolis got here to city. They have been duly and deservedly crushed.

Guardiola spent the primary half gesturing histrionically, the second together with his fingers in his pockets, a person resigned to his destiny.

This feels the whole breakdown of an all-conquering crew.

Resigned Pep Guardiola alerts the whole breakdown of all-conquering Man Metropolis

Pep Guardiola on John Stones

17:13 , Jamie Braidwood

“I’d say I am not in the precise second to make tactical and inventive adjustments with some gamers and the place they’re at. There’s a second the place I can’t overthink issues proper now. I attempt to be easy, go to the ideas to provide certainty to the crew and the gamers of what they will do offensively and defensively. This is likely one of the factors. He cannot as a result of he stated within the final 10 minutes once more he had the disturbance that he had within the final month.”

Jack Grealish sends three-finger gesture to goading Aston Villa followers

16:54 , Jamie Braidwood

Jack Grealish held up three fingers to goading Aston Villa supporters because the Manchester Metropolis winger had a day to neglect on his return to Villa Park.

Beginning in opposition to his boyhood membership away from house for the primary time since his £100m transfer to the Etihad, Grealish was on the tip of a 2-1 defeat as Metropolis’s depressing run of type continued.

The England worldwide helped Villa to promotion again to the Premier League in 2019 however was booed on each contact as he noticed loads of the ball throughout the first half.

Jack Grealish sends three-finger gesture to goading Aston Villa followers

‘I don’t agree with him’: Pep Guardiola on Erling Haaland type

15:47 , Jamie Braidwood

Pep Guardiola responds to Erling Haaland’s feedback after the Man Metropolis striker stated he has not been ok.

“I do not agree with him. With out him he could be even worse however I like gamers to be that manner. It is the one probability now we have to get higher.

“There are two choices: like I decide myself, the one different state of affairs is blame your facet. That will depend on them.

“I do not agree with Erling as a result of he tried and he must be delivered the precise balls in the precise spots however now we recuperate and we struggle for the subsequent one.”

Erling Haaland admits his type has not been ok and backs Guardiola

15:20 , Jamie Braidwood

Erling Haaland, who now has only one purpose in his final six video games for Manchester Metropolis,  talking to TNT Sports activities:

“We have now to proceed working. The very first thing I’m is myself, I’ve not been doing issues ok, haven’t been scoring my probabilities and all the pieces. I’ve to be higher. It’s lots on me and I’ve not been ok

“In fact it’s not the most effective. We all know how essential confidence is. You may see it. It impacts each human being, these type of issues. That’s how it’s. We have now to proceed. We have now to remain constructive despite the fact that it’s tough. We have now to maintain working exhausting.”

On Pep Guardiola

“He’s gained the Premier League six instances in seven years. We are able to always remember that. He’ll discover the options. He’s been doing that yearly, aside from one. We nonetheless imagine in him and now we have to work more durable than ever proper now “

Pep Guardiola reacts to Man Metropolis’s defeat at Aston Villa

14:56 , Jamie Braidwood

Pep Guardiola talking to TNT Sports activities.

“We made a very good first half, we precipitated issues however made some errors. Second half we dropped. We modified our urgent when John [Stones] couldn’t proceed and we weren’t pretty much as good. Congratulations to Aston Villa. We maintain going.

“I’d not say no. Within the mid-block they’re so sturdy. They’re bodily with Onana and Kamara. We had good moments. Not large probabilities however greater than in opposition to United [last weekend].

“The second half we dropped. Our urgent was not efficient in our proper facet and we struggled just a little bit. We discovered a purpose on the finish however it was too late. We wrestle to attain and we concede objectives.

“I’ve to search out the solutions. We have now to get gamers again. In the end we’re going to discover it.”

It will get a bit tense on the finish when Guardiola is requested if he’ll strive something totally different to enhance Man Metropolis’s type. “Again my gamers,” he says.

‘Lack of struggle’ as Man Metropolis lose once more

14:54 , Jamie Braidwood

Former England striker Peter Crouch says Man Metropolis regarded resigned to defeat and there was a “lack of struggle” in Pep Guardiola’s crew.

Talking on TNT Sports activities, he stated: “That was the worrying factor for me. It felt like they have been ready to get beat and there was nothing frantic about them.

“They have been missing concepts and there wasn’t the ‘shock’ once they have been behind.”

Questions surrounding Pep Guardiola?

14:44 , Jamie Braidwood

Right here’s the ideas of The Impartial’s chief soccer author Miguel Delaney:

‘Pep Guardiola has an argument to be the best supervisor of all time, and but it doesn’t really feel he has “managed” this example in any respect properly – even separate to type. Continually happening about himself and his personal legacy, and never in a manner that deflects consideration from the gamers.

‘It doesn’t scream “management”, which I do know sounds very “excessive efficiency” however you principally need somebody growling about getting by means of this.’

FULL TIME! Aston Villa 2-1 Man Metropolis

14:42 , Jamie Braidwood

There’s an opportunity that Manchester Metropolis might spend Christmas Day in ninth.

Bournmouth, Fulham and Brighton might all go above them with wins this weekend.

Metropolis subsequent play on Boxing Day. They host Everton at 12:30pm.

Normally, that might be an computerized victory. You may’t say that proper now.

FULL TIME! Aston Villa 2-1 Man Metropolis

14:38 , Jamie Braidwood

Clearly, the continued decline of Manchester Metropolis, who have been untouchable final season, will dominate the response right here.

However Villa have been wonderful and regarded just like the facet who completed fourth final season. Unai Emery’s facet have struggled at instances over the past couple of months, however per week off actually helped and the hosts fully dominated Metropolis with an intense, energetic efficiency.

As Tielemans stated, it’s about being constant now. Emery has additionally discovered the system with Kamara and Onana in midfield and Duran in-form and firing up entrance.

FULL TIME! Aston Villa 2-1 Man Metropolis

14:33 , Jamie Braidwood

The run continues. Or will get even worse? As Richard Jolly factors out, Man Metropolis have misplaced video games with okay performances. Not right now. They have been terrible.

Manchester Metropolis’s run of outcomes, NINE losses in 12 video games

L 1-2 vs Tottenham (A) – Carabao Cup

L 1-2 vs Bournemouth (A) – Premier League

L 1-4 vs Sporting (A) – Champions League

L 1-2 vs Brighton (A) – Premier League

L 0-4 vs Tottenham (H) – Premier League

D 3-3 vs Feyenoord (H) – Champions League

L 0-2 vs Liverpool (A) – Premier League

W 3-0 vs Nottingham Forest (H) – Premier League

D 2-2 vs Crystal Palace (A) – Premier League

L 0-2 vs Juventus (A) – Champions League

L 1-2 vs Manchester United (H) – Premier League

L 1-2 vs Aston Villa (A) – Premier League

FULL TIME! Aston Villa 2-1 Man Metropolis

14:31 , Jamie Braidwood

Youri Tielemans has earned his Christmas Day. Sensible efficiency.

“Actually good, we fought collectively, defended collectively and made the precise decisions in assault. It was a very good efficiency.

“For me, going ahead it helped figuring out I had them [Onana and Kamara behind me]. I knew I had area behind their midfielders.

“It’s at all times tough in opposition to Man Metropolis. We all know they haven’t gained as a lot however they’re a category facet. It’s credit score to us as a result of we confirmed character.

“The league is huge open. That’s why we love soccer. This season is hard bodily, mentally, however the high quality is excessive. We have now to be constant.”

FULL TIME! Aston Villa 2-1 Man Metropolis

14:27 , Richard Jolly, at Villa Park

Phil Foden’s belated first league purpose of the season has given the scoreline a flattering sheen for Metropolis. That was a reasonably complete defeat. Guardiola believes they’ve performed properly in a few of their losses. Not right now. Duran, Watkins and Tielemans have been all terrific for Villa, placing their very own latest stumbles behind them. For Metropolis, Foden aside, their finest participant might have been their goalkeeper, Stefan Ortega.

FULL TIME! Aston Villa 2-1 Man Metropolis

14:24 , Jamie Braidwood

And that’s it!

Aston Villa 2-1 Man Metropolis

14:24 , Jamie Braidwood

Villa simply needed to maintain the ball. As a substitute, they concede a free-kick and Metropolis have the prospect to fling it ahead.

Foden’s cross is caught by Martinez.

GOAL! Aston Villa 2-1 Man Metropolis (FODEN 90+3’)

14:23 , Jamie Braidwood

Oh! Phil Foden has pulled one again with a minute to play. It’s his first of the season. Sharp transfer from Metropolis as Silva slips Foden by means of. The end is scientific into the nook.

Too little too late? Simply seconds left…

Aston Villa 2-0 Man Metropolis

14:22 , Jamie Braidwood

90+2 minutes: Youri Tielemans is called man of the match. The Belgian has put in one of many performances of the season in midfield. Sensational all through.

Aston Villa 2-0 Man Metropolis

14:20 , Jamie Braidwood

90 minutes: Morgan Rogers will get a standing ovation as he’s changed. A purpose and an help for the 22-year-old right now.

We’re into 4 minutes added on.

Aston Villa 2-0 Man Metropolis

14:18 , Jamie Braidwood

89 minutes: I can’t bear in mind a single probability for Metropolis on this second half. It’s like they gave up after Villa’s second purpose.

Aston Villa 2-0 Man Metropolis

14:17 , Jamie Braidwood

86 minutes: Frustration for Grealish, who was brilliant within the first half however has had a day to neglect on his return to Villa Park.

He takes out former team-mate John McGinn and picks up a yellow card. McGinn seems like he liked that.

Aston Villa 2-0 Man Metropolis

14:12 , Jamie Braidwood

82 minutes: And an opportunity for Watkins immediately! Villa break ahead once more, Tielemans releasing Rogers who performs in Watkins.

Watkins take it on on his left foot, however whacks the shot straight at Ortega.

Aston Villa 2-0 Man Metropolis

14:10 , Jamie Braidwood

80 minutes: A change for Villa: Jhon Duran, who scored his fourth purpose in as many video games, is changed by Ollie Watkins. Unai Emery is getting the most effective out of the striker in the mean time, and Watkins will probably be hungry to make an affect.

Nonetheless nothing from Metropolis on the different finish. Haaland has been nameless within the second half. And there may be nonetheless no Kevin De Bruyne. Metropolis seem to have accepted defeat.

Aston Villa 2-0 Man Metropolis

14:05 , Jamie Braidwood

75 minutes: Morgan Rogers dropped the ‘chilly’ celebration after scoring in opposition to Metropolis, who he by no means performed for earlier than he was offered to Middlesbrough.

Rogers, says Cole Palmer stole the celebration from him, continues a superb marketing campaign within the Premier League.

Aston Villa 2-0 Man Metropolis

14:02 , Jamie Braidwood

72 minutes: Probability for Metropolis as Savinho, one other with out a purpose this season, replaces Gundogan.

Metropolis have been overrun in midfield. Tielemans, Onana and Kamara have been top notch.

Nonetheless no Kevin De Bruyne for Metropolis, because the Belgian seems on from the bench.

Aston Villa 2-0 Man Metropolis

14:01 , Jamie Braidwood

70 minutes: Foden have a deflected shot saved by Martinez. Aston Villa are in full management, enjoying with an power and drive that appears past Metropolis in the mean time. The run is trying prefer it’s going to proceed.

Aston Villa 2-0 Man Metropolis

13:57 , Richard Jolly, at Villa Park

It would not be a weekend with out somebody chanting “sacked within the morning” at Pep Guardiola and now he’s listening to a well-recognized sound. Villa’s second purpose might have completed Metropolis off. It definitely illustrates one of many elements of their fall. Morgan Rogers, owned by Metropolis however by no means picked by them, made one and scored one. Metropolis have made hundreds of thousands by promoting gamers. Now it has come at a price. Rogers can run. A few of these Metropolis gamers can’t.

GOAL! Aston Villa 2-0 Man Metropolis (ROGERS 65’)

13:54 , Jamie Braidwood

THAT’S THE GAME, SURELY?!

So good from Villa, who deserve their two-goal lead. And it’s Morgan Rogers who strikes in opposition to his former crew!

A flowing Villa transfer as McGinn surges ahead. Tielemans, who has been the most effective participant on the pitch, makes the overlapping run, however McGinn goes to Rogers.

And it’s high quality from the previous Man Metropolis academy star. He takes it on his left foot and buries the end into the underside nook.

Aston Villa 1-0 Man Metropolis

13:54 , Jamie Braidwood

63 minutes: All of Metropolis’s play went by means of Grealish within the first half. It’s been a special story for the reason that restart.

However this time Grealish can’t discover Haaland together with his cross and it’s into the side-netting.

Aston Villa 1-0 Man Metropolis

13:50 , Jamie Braidwood

60 minutes: POST! Fantastic once more from Villla, woeful from Metropolis, who escape once more. Rogers powers into the field and will get on the tip of a flick from Duran. Gvardiol’s problem is weak and Rogers shrugs him off earlier than firing in the direction of the close to submit. It clips the skin of the upright and goes behind.

It’s Villa, Villa, Villa with an hour gone.

Aston Villa 1-0 Man Metropolis

13:49 , Jamie Braidwood

58 minutes: Sensible from Villa, who’ve regarded drained in latest weeks however have clearly made essentially the most of not being concerned within the Carabao Cup and having seven days off.

Duran presses Ortega and Villa win the throw excessive up the pitch. The house followers find it irresistible.

Aston Villa 1-0 Man Metropolis

13:47 , Jamie Braidwood

56 minutes: One other concern for Man Metropolis. After already shedding Stones, Akanji takes a knock to his shoulder and stays down.

He seems like he’s going to proceed. Villa, although, are trying snug. Emery’s facet are bossing it.

Aston Villa 1-0 Man Metropolis

13:45 , Richard Jolly, at Villa Park

55 minutes: Historical past has repeated itself for John Stones. He performed 45 minutes in November, taken off at half-time in defeat to Tottenham and injured once more. Now he has not reappeared for the second half once more. Kyle Walker’s demotion lasted half a sport. Metropolis’s lack of match defenders means they can’t play with out him. It additionally feels as if they cannot discover a option to cease Youri Tielemans.

Aston Villa 1-0 Man Metropolis

13:41 , Jamie Braidwood

51 minutes: Uncommon area for Foden, who turns and faces the purpose. He takes the shot on however the watch for a primary purpose of the season continues – it finally ends up excessive and huge.

Aston Villa 1-0 Man Metropolis

13:40 , Jamie Braidwood

50 minutes: The ball is within the internet…. it’s copy and paste for Villa as Tielemans turns and releases Duran, who gallops away and finishes.

Duran is offside, however he wasn’t too distant.

Aston Villa 1-0 Man Metropolis

13:39 , Jamie Braidwood

47 minutes: CHANCE! House, a lot area for Villa! They break by means of Metropolis with ease. Money is launched down the precise, with Tielemans releasing the counter. Kamara was there for the pull-back however Money shoots into the side-netting.

Walker and Duran have been grappling off the ball. Nothing given.

Aston Villa 1-0 Man Metropolis

13:35 , Jamie Braidwood

Again underway! A subplot right here is Erling Haaland didn’t have an opportunity within the first half and has only one purpose in his final six video games…

With Walker on, Lewis has gone to left again and Gvardiol has changed Stones within the center.

HALF TIME! Aston Villa 1-0 Man Metropolis

13:32 , Jamie Braidwood

There will probably be a change for Metropolis on the break. Kyle Walker is changing John Stones, who had simply come again from harm. Hopefully Stones hasn’t suffered a set-back.

HALF TIME! Aston Villa 1-0 Man Metropolis

13:21 , Jamie Braidwood

Because it stands, Metropolis are heading for an NINTH defeat in TWELVE video games.

If the Premier League began in November, Metropolis could be within the backside three.

They’ve the second half to show it round however it’s been uninspiring stuff once more.

HALF TIME! Aston Villa 1-0 Man Metropolis

13:18 , Jamie Braidwood

And it’s kicking off between Grealish and Martinez on the half-time whistle! Unsure why. We’ll see in a second.

However Martinez was booked and Villa lead 1-0. Grealish is surrounded by Villa gamers, with extra boos from the house followers, as he heads into the tunnel.

Aston Villa 1-0 Man Metropolis

13:15 , Jamie Braidwood

43 minutes: CHANCE! Metropolis’s finest probability of the sport and it falls to their second-top goal-scorer this season. Josko Gvardiol led the break with a very good burst from defence. He performed huge to Grealish and carried on his run into the field. Grealish discovered the cross however Gvardiol headed over the bar from six yards.

Large second.

Aston Villa 1-0 Man Metropolis

13:13 , Jamie Braidwood

40 minutes: Villa virtually performed themselves into hassle however labored their manner out of the press to launch a counter. McGinn’s change to Rogers virtually labored however Lewis made a last-ditch problem to stop the break.

Aston Villa 1-0 Man Metropolis

13:08 , Jamie Braidwood

36 minutes: Money makes his third foul on Grealish. This time he can’t keep away from punishment. The suitable again is booked.

Every little thing goes by means of Grealish and Metropolis ought to maintain making an attempt that route with Money on a yellow card.

Grealish will get the ball once more and is ready to work his manner into the field. His shot is straight at Martinez.

Aston Villa 1-0 Man Metropolis

13:07 , Jamie Braidwood

35 minutes: What an opportunity once more for Villa! From the nook, Grealish loses it and all of a sudden Villa have a 5 on 2. It’s led by McGinn, who seems overwhelmed by his choices. He ultimately takes too lengthy and might’t discover Duran.

Metropolis escape.

Aston Villa 1-0 Man Metropolis

13:06 , Jamie Braidwood

34 minutes: Higher from Man Metropolis, and Phil Foden. Final season’s participant of the 12 months, who has not scored this season, exchanges a one-two with Rico Lewis and breaks into the field. He seems for the far nook, however Martinez ideas the curling effort huge.

Aston Villa 1-0 Man Metropolis

13:01 , Richard Jolly, at Villa Park

29 minutes: Jack Grealish is getting booed on his first correct return to Villa Park (he performed three minutes as a sub however that was his solely involvement in his three earlier journeys since becoming a member of Metropolis). He has been Metropolis’s outlet, with diagonal balls to the left, however Erling Haaland has been starved of service up to now.

Villa’s purpose, in the meantime, highlighted a few of Metropolis’s issues, notably the dearth of a defensive midfielder. It has allowed Youri Tielemans to play defence-splitting passes. Villa have loved Metropolis’s excessive defensive position, too, as Rogers and Duran did for the purpose.

Aston Villa 1-0 Man Metropolis

12:59 , Jamie Braidwood

26 minutes: This fits Villa now. They’ll sit in and absorb the Metropolis stress earlier than hitting Guardiola’s facet on the counter. Emery’s crew are being affected person – searching for that second to punish Metropolis in transition.

Aston Villa 1-0 Man Metropolis

12:56 , Jamie Braidwood

23 minutes: Grealish has been Metropolis’s finest participant up to now. He beats Money to get into the field… however then slices his shot out for a throw-in…

The Villa followers loved it. “What the f— was that?” they chant.

A minimum of Grealish is making an attempt. I’ve barely heard Phil Foden’s title up to now.

Aston Villa 1-0 Man Metropolis

12:52 , Jamie Braidwood

19 minutes: My goodness. The area between John Stones and Manuel Akanj within the Man Metropolis defence for Villa’s opening purpose… Pep Guardiola’s crew have been lower huge open from Emi Martinez’s goal-kick. It was a superb transfer from Unai Emery’s facet.

GOAL! Aston Villa 1-0 Man Metropolis (DURAN 16’)

12:47 , Jamie Braidwood

Aston Villa lead and it’s Jhon Duran once more!

And Man Metropolis are behind once more! It’s a surprising counter-attack, with one of many passes of the season from Youri Tielemans, who splits the Man Metropolis defence huge open from inside his personal half.

His by means of move releases Morgan Rogers, who’s unselfish. He squares to Duran, who continues his sizzling run of type to bury the prospect first time.

Aston Villa 0-0 Man Metropolis

12:46 , Jamie Braidwood

14 minutes: After a frantic begin, it’s quitened down a contact. Money clips Grealish for the second time, with Grealish spinning off the defender on the flip.

Money may be very, very fortunate to not be within the guide. Each fouls might have been yellow playing cards. Money wins the subsequent problem and is staying touch-tight to his former team-mate.

Aston Villa 0-0 Man Metropolis

12:43 , Jamie Braidwood

11 minutes: Grealish has made a distinction for Metropolis already and is trying extra direct out on the wing. He tees up Kovacic, who cracks a shot straight at Martinez. Straightforward save.

Aston Villa 0-0 Man Metropolis

12:41 , Jamie Braidwood

9 minutes: A bit higher from Metropolis, who construct some stress. The large concern is how fragile they give the impression of being to the counter-attack. Money will get a hoop of cheers as he crunches into Grealish by the touchline.

Heaps happening within the penalty space as Metropolis get a large free-kick. The guests are asking for a penalty as Akanji goes down beneath some ‘shut’ Villa marking. All cleared, although.

Aston Villa 0-0 Man Metropolis

12:40 , Richard Jolly, at Villa Park

8 minutes: A fully shambolic begin from Metropolis, with Josko Gvardiol virtually gifting Villa the lead inside 15 seconds. Metropolis could also be glad Ederson is injured, given the 2 early saves Stefan Ortega has made. Jhon Duran may be very full of life for Villa. Ominously for Metropolis, Villa look fast on the break.

Aston Villa 0-0 Man Metropolis

12:39 , Jamie Braidwood

6 minutes: The goal-line know-how was wanted, and replays present that Torres’ header was largely over the road.

However Ortega clawed it out earlier than it might absolutely cross, so it’s nonetheless 0-0.

Aston Villa 0-0 Man Metropolis

12:37 , Jamie Braidwood

5 minutes: The boos flip into jeers as Grealish cuts into the field and shoots huge.

It’s finish to finish right here. McGinn breaks ahead down the precise and virtually slides in Duran.

Akanji slides in to chop it out.

Aston Villa 0-0 Man Metropolis

12:35 , Jamie Braidwood

3 min: Man Metropolis clear the third nook, and breath a sigh of aid. Duran ought to have scored after which Ortega made a superb cease to disclaim Torres.

Just a few boos for Grealish as he will get his first touches on the left wing.

Aston Villa 0-0 Man Metropolis

12:33 , Jamie Braidwood

1 minutes: SAVE! Enormous save from Ortega to maintain McGinn’s nook out! It was Torres’ header truly, Ortega clawed it off the road. Then he ideas over McGinn’s deep nook.

WHAT A START!

KICK-OFF!

12:32 , Jamie Braidwood

And an early probability for Aston Villa! Unbelievable. 20 seconds in, Gvardiol slips and Jhon Duran is thru!

He takes it so, so early and Ortega saves simply, pushing behind for a nook.

That must be 1-0.

Aston Villa vs Man Metropolis: Kick-off subsequent

12:31 , Jamie Braidwood

The place can I watch the match?

The match is being proven on TNT Sports activities 1 and Discovery+.

Aston Villa vs Man Metropolis: Kick-off subsequent

12:30 , Jamie Braidwood

‘Loopy Prepare’ rings out at Villa Park.

It’s been loopy instances for Manchester Metropolis of late. One win in 11 video games.

Can they begin to flip it round this afternoon or will Unai Emery improve the distress on the champions?

Kick-off is subsequent.

Aston Villa vs Man Metropolis: Final trip at Villa Park

12:25 , Jamie Braidwood

Aston Villa’s solely victory up to now 17 conferences in all competitions was by 1-0 at house within the Premier League on 6 December final 12 months. Unai Emery’s facet can earn consecutive house league wins in opposition to Manchester Metropolis for the primary time since 1993.

After defeat at Villa Park final 12 months, Man Metropolis didn’t lose once more within the Premier League and went on to elevate their fourth title in a row beneath Pep Guardiola. How they may use a run like that now… however it doesn’t look probably on present type.

Eight defeats in Metropolis’s previous 11 matches in all competitions is as many as they misplaced of their earlier 106 fixtures, and they’re winless in seven successive away video games in all competitions for the primary time since a run of 10 from January to April 2011 beneath Roberto Mancini.

The champions have earned simply 4 factors from their previous seven Premier League fixtures, a joint-low alongside Southampton.

Off form Walker and De Bruyne dropped by Guardiola

12:23 , Richard Jolly

A facet with six defeats in 11 in opposition to a crew with eight. It’s the derby of the off form, with two Spanish managers searching for a profitable system. Pep Guardiola has dropped Kyle Walker and Kevin de Bruyne and chosen the fit-again John Stones. Unai Emery has most popular Jhon Duran to Ollie Watkins.

Villa Park return is painful reminder that Jack Grealish is losing his expertise at Man Metropolis

12:20 , Richard Jolly

Jack Grealish has been at Metropolis since August 2021. He has solely performed notably properly for a kind of seasons, 2022-23. Final 12 months, he discovered type for a month, from the tip of December, and round 10 days in spring. His type in any other case defined his omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad. He might have been luckless with ill-timed accidents this season and the statistics once more present Metropolis lose a decrease share of video games he begins, however his latest achievements finish there.

And the glimpse of his beloved floor might remind Grealish, the great-grandson of a 1905 Villa FA Cup winner and the Brummie who captained them to promotion, of what he’s lacking out on. Offered lengthy earlier than Unai Emery was appointed, Grealish was to not know what would occur in his absence, however the thought should have crossed his thoughts that he might have nonetheless been there, skippering them of their Champions League win over Bayern Munich.

Villa Park return is painful reminder that Jack Grealish is wasted at Man Metropolis

Manchester Metropolis’s run of outcomes, eight losses in 11 video games

12:10 , Jamie Braidwood

L 1-2 vs Tottenham (A) – Carabao Cup

L 1-2 vs Bournemouth (A) – Premier League

L 1-4 vs Sporting (A) – Champions League

L 1-2 vs Brighton (A) – Premier League

L 0-4 vs Tottenham (H) – Premier League

D 3-3 vs Feyenoord (H) – Champions League

L 0-2 vs Liverpool (A) – Premier League

W 3-0 vs Nottingham Forest (H) – Premier League

D 2-2 vs Crystal Palace (A) – Premier League

L 0-2 vs Juventus (A) – Champions League

L 1-2 vs Manchester United (H) – Premier League

Pep Guardiola on dropping Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne

12:05 , Jamie Braidwood

Pep Guardiola, talking to TNT Sports activities forward of Man Metropolis’s check in opposition to Aston Villa.

On the return of John Stones and Manuel Akanji, who begin:

“They prepare two, 3 times. Essential gamers for us.”

On Ederson, who will not be within the Metropolis squad:

“He’s not right here. He doesn’t really feel good.”

On Walker and De Bruyne, who’ve each dropped to the bench:

“The best way we need to play, I determine this line-up. So simple as that.”

Erling Haaland will rating if Man Metropolis ‘play higher’ – Pep Guardiola

12:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Pep Guardiola on Erling Haaland, who has scored simply as soon as in 5 appearances.

“I want to play with Erling,” stated Guardiola. “I don’t suppose within the state of affairs that I’ve that I don’t let Erling play – completely not. No, no, I didn’t take into consideration that.

“All the time I play false nines for the standard particularly of the gamers I’ve in that second.

“In some video games enjoying man to man, I like to play in opposition to false nines however I’ve an Erling, I’ve to adapt.

“I see him properly, I see him high-quality. The explanation why possibly he’s not so productive on this state of affairs is for the best way we’re enjoying, that we don’t produce the quantity of probabilities that we have been capable of do up to now.

“When he’s surrounded by two or three or 4 central defenders it’s not simple for him. We have now to play higher, to create the areas for him.”

Unai Emery on Man Metropolis and Pep Guardiola: ‘He’s the most effective’

11:45 , Jamie Braidwood

Unai Emery insists Pep Guardiola is “the most effective” coach as Aston Villa search to pile additional distress on Manchester Metropolis.

Metropolis have misplaced eight of their final 11 video games in all competitions, profitable simply as soon as in that sequence, and fallen 9 factors behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.

The Premier League champions have additionally performed a sport greater than Arne Slot’s desk toppers and face a tricky weekend task with a Saturday lunchtime date at Villa Park.

However Villa boss Emery has little doubt over what he’s developing in opposition to, saying of his fellow Spaniard Guardiola: “He’s the most effective. I’m just a little bit stunned (about Manchester Metropolis’s type), however it’s soccer.

“It’s a really robust match and an thrilling match for us. We’re respecting them lots.”

Pep Guardiola on Man Metropolis switch selections

11:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Pep Guardiola has revealed that Manchester Metropolis might look to do enterprise within the January switch window – one thing that he has not often executed whereas accountable for the champions.

However Metropolis are struggling and have a protracted harm listing, though Guardiola has stated that any new recruits won’t be stop-gap signings.

“We’ve spoken about doing one thing. If it’s in winter it’s if we actually we’d like it or if we are able to actually discover one thing – (however) not for simply 4 or 5 months.

“We’ll see. I don’t know what number of instances within the final years we’ve gone into the winter (market) – possibly simply Aymeric Laporte seven years in the past.

“We’re not an enormous fan of that however the circumstances of this season have been particular. We have now to see if one thing is feasible and if not we are going to wait till the summer season.

“Within the winter it’s harder to do. Groups don’t need to promote and they’re so costly.”

Aston Villa vs Man Metropolis crew information and line-ups

11:22 , Jamie Braidwood

So Jack Grealish begins on his return to Villa Park. Mateo Kovacic additionally returns for the guests, as does John Stones. There’s no Ederson in Man Metropolis’s squad, with Stefan Ortega beginning in purpose. Kyle Walker is match however drops to the bench.

Jhon Duran begins forward of Ollie Watkins for Aston Villa and Boubacar Kamara companions Amadou Onana in midfield, with John McGinn and Youri Tielemans both facet. Morgan Rogers begins in opposition to his former membership.

Aston Villa vs Man Metropolis crew information and line-ups

11:19 , Jamie Braidwood

Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Money; Konsa, Torres, Digne; Onana, Kamara; Tielemans, McGinn; Rogers, Duran.

Subs: Olsen, Mings, Barkley, Buendia, Watkins, Nedeljkovic, Maatsen, Bogarde, Bailey.

Man Metropolis XI: Ortega, Lewis, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Gundogan, Bernardo; Foden, Haaland, Grealish

Subs: Carson, Walker, Ake, Doku, De Bruyne, Savio, Simpson-Pusey, O’Reilly, McAtee.

Aston Villa vs Man Metropolis crew information and line-ups

11:16 , Jamie Braidwood

Aston Villa:

Man Metropolis:

Villa Park return is painful reminder that Jack Grealish is losing his expertise at Man Metropolis

10:10 , Richard Jolly

Txiki Begiristain was trying ahead to being entertained. Manchester Metropolis, usually dubbed large spenders, had spent greater than every other English membership beforehand had on one participant. They’d made Jack Grealish the £100m man. Their director of soccer known as his costliest recruit “one of the thrilling attacking gamers in world soccer”.

Three-and-a-half years later, Grealish returns to Aston Villa on Saturday as, arguably, neither an attacking participant nor an thrilling one. As a substitute, a maverick has been reinvented as a curiosity, a Pep Guardiola undertaking who now does far fewer of the issues usually related to pleasure – rating objectives, make them, run at defenders – than he used to. There are these at Villa Park who will recognise a neighborhood accent and see a well-recognized face. However the participant they could see is fairly totally different.

A extra profitable one, Guardiola might argue, an individualist who grew to become a part of a champion crew. Grealish might have sacrificed a number of the aptitude, however he acquired silverware in return. Within the glow of the treble, it appeared a high-quality trade-off. Now? Maybe not.

What’s the Man Metropolis crew information?

10:03 , Jamie Braidwood

For Man Metropolis, Mateo Kovacic and John Stones returned to the bench for final week’s Manchester derby and are one step nearer to being match match.

Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake be part of Rodri and Oscar Bobb as a long-term absentee however Manuel Akanji might function after recovering from a pelvis situation. Goalkeeper Ederson is a doubt.

Former Villa captain Jack Grealish is pushing for a begin however must displace Jeremy Doku on the left wing and is extra prone to take up a spot on the bench.

When is Aston Villa vs Man Metropolis?

10:01 , Jamie Braidwood

Aston Villa vs Man Metropolis is because of kick off at 12.30pm GMT on Saturday, 21 December at Villa Park in Birmingham.

The place can I watch the match?

The match will probably be proven on TNT Sports activities 1, with protection beginning at 11am. Subscribers can even be capable of stay stream by way of the discovery+ app.

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