Manchester City see off Aston Villa but Haaland a worry for Arsenal test

Ilkay Gündogan scores at the far post from Erling Haaland’s cross to make it 2-0 to Manchester City Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters

This was the first chance for Manchester City players to post an on-field riposte to the Premier League charges and they did not disappoint.

A three-goal, opening-half blitz put Aston Villa away via their particular brand of shock and awe that has been missing since the September-October period when they reeled off 24 goals and six wins in a row. One blot – particularly for the trip to Arsenal on Wednesday – was the kick suffered to Erling Haaland’s thigh, which meant he was taken off at half-time.