The Holy Trinity: Aston Villa conclusions from Premier League victory over Manchester City

Matty Cash's strike led Villa to a statement win and 12 points from 12

For 30 minutes of the first half on Sunday, Aston Villa were light years better than they’d been at any point in the 2025/26 season.

Villa defeated Manchester City at Villa Park thanks to a corking Matty Cash goal and a monstrous defensive effort. It was a very impressive, multi-faceted performance. Villa were dominant for a spell and determined for the rest.

They had to graft and be streetwise for the entire second half. By the last 20 minutes and especially after Pep Guardiola’s triple substitution, it was a case of being smart at the back and still being willing to put bodies on the line. Villa had it all.

It’s really the only way to beat teams like City when they’ve got their tails up. Villa have now won three home games against City on the bounce and they deserved this one as much as any of them.

Here’s your Holy Trinity of match conclusions.