Bernardo Silva’s astonishing goal helped send Man City to the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa.
The Portuguese playmaker superbly sacked Emiliano Martinez to score his first Premier League goal of the season in the 79th minute.
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Silva broke the deadlock for City
After City took the lead, Villa boss Dean Smith received a red card from referee Jon Moss for dissent.
Ilkay Gundogan sealed all three points with a 90th minute penalty after Matty Cash was penalized for handball.
City’s sixth consecutive league win sees them overtake Leicester on goal difference as Pep Guardiola’s side will remain in the lead if Manchester United fail to beat Fulham later tonight.
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Kevin De Bruyne was withdrawn before the hour
The result came at a cost, however, as Kevin De Bruyne was substituted in the 59th minute with an alleged ankle injury.
The change came minutes after De Bruyne was the target of a late challenge from Jack Grealish.
City threatened Villa in the fourth minute as Emiliano Martinez sort of refused Silva two yards away after a corner kick.
Villa’s only significant first-half chance came when Grealish fired Ross Barkley, whose curling effort was saved by Ederson.
City nearly broke the deadlock thanks to Joao Cancelo nine minutes into the second half when his shot hit the crossbar after snagging a pass from De Bruyne.
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Smith was furious with Moss after City’s first goal
It was one of De Bruyne’s last acts as he was replaced by Gabriel Jesus before the hour.
Villa, who had not played since New Year’s Day due to a coronavirus outbreak at the Midlands club, almost went ahead when powerful Douglas player Luiz was parried by Ederson.
Gundogan was desperately unlucky not to score with two decent chances, and his wastage was almost punished.
Ruben Dias expertly deflected Ollie Watkins’ dangerous cross away from substitute Jacob Ramsey, who allegedly had a tap-in.
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Gundogan has scored five goals in his last eight games
Silva’s shining moment then put City ahead, much to the chagrin of Smith, who felt Rodri was offside in preparation for the goal.
Smith was then sent off by Moss, before Gundogan put the game beyond doubt by converting from 12 yards.
