Villa rises, City triumphs, and United falls

While Manchester City wrapped out an incredible year with a win and a reminder that they are still very much in the

running for a historic fourth consecutive title, Aston Villa returned to winning ways and moved up into second place

in the Premier League.

But Manchester United’s long-standing inconsistency was back as they ended a terrible first half of the season with a

2-1 loss at Nottingham Forest.

Although Unai Emery’s Villa are the clear favorites, they appeared to be losing to the 10-man Burnley team when

Douglas Luiz’s penalty in the 89th minute gave them a 3-2 victory.

Villa’s league winning run of fifteen games at home was snapped last week in a 1-1 draw against lowly Sheffield

United. On Boxing Day, after leading 2-0, Villa fell 3-2 away to Manchester United.

Following their victory on Saturday, Villa and Liverpool—who now lead on goal differential and play Newcastle

United on Monday—have 42 points apiece. Manchester City, who defeated Sheffield United 2-0, is third on 40

points; they also have a game in hand over Villa.

Shortly after Villa took over under Spaniard Emery’s leadership after 20 games last season, they had 28 points,

highlighting the comeback the Midlands team had experienced over the previous 12 months, during which they had

won a club record 32 games across all competitions.

After two minutes, Zeki Amdouni’s shot gave Burnley a response, drawing Villa ahead thanks to a goal from Leon

Bailey.

After 42 minutes, a straightforward goal by Moussa Diaby gave the home team their lead back, and Sander Berge’s

second yellow card for yanking Luiz’s shirt reduced Burnley to 10 men.

Lyle Foster gave Battling Burnley a late equalizer, but Luiz had a chance to win the game from the penalty spot after

Aaron Ramsey fouled Jhon Duran. However, his kick struck the underside of the bar and missed the net.

AWESOME YEAR

While Villa has had a successful year, Manchester City has had an incredible one as they won the FA Cup, the

Premier League, and the Champions League in the previous season. They were also crowned FIFA Club World Cup

champions for the first time last week.

They defeated bottom club Sheffield United handily on Saturday, ending a record of three straight home league

draws. They hardly needed to shift into third gear.

In the 14th minute, Phil Foden set up Rodri for the game’s first goal with a neat finish. A little over an hour later, the

England midfielder was crucial to City’s second goal when Julian Alvarez tapped in his pass.

City now seem to be back in the rhythm following a lull.

Following their ninth league loss of the year, Manchester United has historically had fewer goals and points after 20

Premier League games.

Following their ninth league loss of the year, Manchester United has historically had fewer goals and points after 20

Premier League games.