Bernardo Silva’s superb strike and a late Ilkay Gundogan penalty sent Manchester City top of the Premier League table with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s side enjoyed much of the possession throughout, but were frustrated for long spells by a well-drilled Villa defence.
Phil Foden twice went close in the opening half, directing a header into the arms of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez moments before pouncing on a wonderful Kevin De Bruyne through-ball only to be denied by Matty Cash’s block.
Bertrand Traore produced a sublime touch to control a long throw from Martinez and slipped past De Bruyne, but his final shot lacked power on 52 minutes.
In an open match Man City responded by clipping the woodwork through Joao Cancelo two minutes later.
The home side kept applying the pressure and Bernardo Silva finally broke the deadlock with 11 minutes remaining.
The Portuguese controlled Rodrigo’s pass and hit an unstoppable left-footed shot into the roof of the net.
Gundogan wrapped up the points with a 90th-minute penalty after Cash had handled.
Man City’s 11th straight home win against Villa sends them top on goal difference, level on 38 points with Leicester City, over whom they have a match in hand.
Villa drop to 11th with 26 points.
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