Aston Villa may have been unable to halt Erling Haaland but Steven Gerrard’s side prevented the striker from running riot and Manchester City taking victory. Stopping Haaland was a daunting prospect in itself but, given the way City have eviscerated opponents of late, this represented an impressive retort by Villa, who levelled through Leon Bailey’s wonderful first-time finish.
When Haaland struck his 10th goal in six games five minutes into the second half it seemed City would deepen the misery on Gerrard but Villa roused to claim a point. In the end it was Pep Guardiola, in khaki cargo trousers and white trainers, who was left tutting on the touchline in frustration.
