Ederson: Proved his value to the build-up with a 75-yard ball straight onto Sterling's toes, then made an outstanding save to deny Chukwuemeka with the score at 2-1. 8
Cancelo: On his favoured right side and clearly relished pushing forward in tandem with Bernardo. He kept City pushing forward but was still alert for anything over his shoulder. 7
Dias: What a goal. What a player. The strike was brilliant but no sooner was he celebrating he was back blocking an effort in his own box and then heading the resulting corner clear. Brilliant at both ends. 9
Ake: One of his more convincing performances, showing good awareness and positioning to keep danger to a minimum and his left foot proved useful passing along the back. 7
Zinchenko: A good block early on to keep the score level and he worked well with Sterling down the left-hand side to trouble the Villa defence. Another to reward the manager's faith. 8
Rodri: Continued where he left off, bossing the midfield. Given more license to roam forward with Fernandinho and tested Martinez early on. 8
Bernardo: What a goal, again. Bernardo set the tone early on by leading the City press and his moment of quality proved to be the matchwinner. 9
Fernandinho: Started brightly and played an important part in the second goal, although tired in the second half as Villa got back into the game. 7
Mahrez: Saw plenty of the ball in the first half as City dominated and was a vital outlet in the second half when the team needed somebody to hold onto it. 8
Sterling: His best performance this season, driving at defenders and carrying the ball with speed and skill to help win the game for his team. 8
Jesus: Worked extremely hard up front with his energy levels never dropping and set up Bernardo for the second, although should have scored himself. 7
Substitutes
Grealish (for Jesus, 87): No time to mark
Not used: Steffen, Carson, Mbete, Wilson-Esbrand, Lavia, Palmer, McAtee, Foden
