This archive report was first published on 26 October 2019.
Manchester City Narrow Gap on Liverpool ¶
Published on October 26, 2019
Manchester City cut Liverpool's lead at the top of the Premier League table to three points after a 3-0 win over Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.
City's victory, which was sealed with three second-half goals, means Liverpool can restore their six-point advantage if they beat Tottenham on Sunday.
However, the Reds will go into that game knowing they have the defending champions breathing down their neck.
While this ended up being a routine win for Pep Guardiola's side, they had to work hard and wait to break down a well-organised Villa side.
After Villa squandered possession from their own kick-off, Ederson's long punt forward was flicked on by Gabriel Jesus and into the path of Sterling, who made no mistake.
Ilkay Gundogan made absolutely sure of the points a few moments later, when Fernandinho's shot was cleared into his path, and he expertly adjusted his body to put away a fine first-time finish.
The hosts finished the game with 10 men after Fernandinho was shown a second yellow card.
Guardiola has more defensive issues to contend with, with Fernandinho set to miss next week's game against Southampton while he serves his suspension.
With Aymeric Laporte out until the new year and the versatile Rodri recently sidelined for up to a month, it was a boost for City that John Stones was fit enough to face Villa for his first start since 14 September.
However, his mistake to gift McGinn possession for his early chance was hardly a reassuring sight.
