GUWAHATI, Dec 22: Aston Villa climbed to fifth in the standings in the Premier League, inflicting more misery on defending champions Manchester City with a 2-1 win at Villa Park. Guardiola’s title defence went from bad to worse with the champions of the last four campaigns having now lost 6 of their past 8 Premier League matches.
Jhon Duran gave the hosts the lead in the 16th minute as Villa started proceedings with aggression.
Rogers netted the second for the hosts after the hour mark to double the jubilation for the home crowd. Foden drew one back for City in the dying moments but could not prevent Unai Emery’s men from walking away with all three points.
City are currently sixth with 27 points from 17 matches, nine behind league leaders Liverpool who have played two games less.
Meanwhile, five-star Arsenal, currently third, reduced the gap with London rivals Chelsea to one point, with a commanding 5-1 rout of Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Elsewhere Newcastle edged past Ispwich Town 4-0, Nottingham Forest continued their fine form with a 2-0 away win over Brentford while Brighton were held to a 1-1 draw by struggling West Ham.
Liverpool will face Tottenham tonight and will extend the gap over City to 12 should they win at Anfield.
Chelsea will travel to Everton while Manchester United face Bournemouth at Old Trafford in tonight’s matches.
