Ederson: Didn't seem to do as much as he could have done when Watkins scored, but better in the late Villa charge including a great tip over the bar from Coutinho. 7
Walker: Took his eye off the ball to allow Villa in late on but otherwise a solid showing as he looks to reclaim his spot. 6
Dias: Gave what City have missed from him, organising the backline and putting his body on the line to keep Villa out. 7
Laporte: Some important blocks when the score was 0-0 in an assured return to the team. 7
Bernardo: Filled in at left-back when City needed him too but still carried a threat when he brought the ball forward. Such a useful player to have. 8
Rodri: Where on earth was this Rodri last week? A man transformed, with added goal threat. 8
Gundogan: Connected to the attack in a way he has struggled to be of late. Captained the team well too. 8
De Bruyne: His best performance for a good while, with aggressive pressing and a supreme touch and awareness of play. 7
Mahrez: An assist, a goal from the penalty spot despite his earlier woes this season, and another excellent performance. 8
Grealish: Effective again, earning a goal by being brought down for a penalty and causing Villa trouble with his runs. 7
Haaland: Excellent pace to create the second goal, although looked troubled from a few knocks and only lasted the first half. 7
Substitutes
Akanji (for Dias, 46): Doesn't quite carry the leadership and bone-crunching challenge that Dias does, and played City into trouble near the end. 5
Alvarez (for Haaland, 46): A few half-chances and worked his way back to win the ball well. 7
Foden (for Grealish, 69): Couldn't settle instantly into the rhythm, perhaps to no surprise. 6
Ake (for Mahrez, 85): No time to mark
Not used: Ortega, Lewis, Gomez, Phillips, Palmer
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