City respond to allegations of financial irregularities on the pitch

In one of the most complicated weeks in its recent history, with penalties and financial irregularities swarming in the air, Manchester City thrashed Aston Villa (3-1) in response to the Premier League’s allegations, which they doubt the its legitimacy.

Goals from Rodrigo Hernández, Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez gave City their first win since the allegations came to light. A triumph that followed a loud whistle from the Etihad Stadium to the Premier League anthem. Just in case there was any doubt as to which side fans of the ‘Sky Blues’ would take.

The Villa fans responded with a chant that they have disguised well since the 1980s: “European champion, you will never be able to tell”, recalling the European Cup won in 1982.

But any hint of a Villain revolution was quickly dispelled by Rodri, who headed a corner taken by Mahrez at the near post in the fourth minute. The first goal was to unleash a great first half for Guardiola’s men, who needed this kind of play on a day when Arsenal had punctures and that means their look ahead before facing the ‘Gunners’ at the Emirates next Wednesday.

With half time in sight, City sealed the match. First with a play that revealed the generosity of Haaland who, without an angle, provided his fourth assist of the season for Gundogan to score on an empty net. Later it was Grealish who generated the third, forcing a Ramsey penalty which Mahrez converted.

“Game Over,” said Micah Richards, who was a City centre-back, and he was right. City had chances at 4-0, but it was Villa who cut through Ollie Watkins. However, despite some arreón led by a brilliant Philippe Coutinho, Villa did not arrive in time for the game.

The three points allow City to remain three behind Arsenal, with the possibility that if they win at the Emirates on Wednesday they will be placed as leaders despite having one game left. Unai Emery’s Villa remain eleventh, with 28 units, ten above the relegation zone.