Villa Break City Hearts Again: Haaland Denied in Late Drama
For Manchester City and Erling Haaland, Villa Park continues to be a nightmare. A year after their painful defeat before Christmas, City returned — only to leave empty-handed once more.
The Goal That Never Was
With just one minute left on the clock, Haaland thought he had saved City. He threw himself at Omar Marmoush’s cross, nudged the ball across the line — and then crashed hard into the post. As the Norwegian striker grimaced in pain, the assistant’s flag went up. VAR confirmed it: no goal. Another trip to Villa Park, another bitter ending.
Villa’s Redemption
Aston Villa came into this one needing a lift after a disappointing European defeat to Go Ahead Eagles. And boy, did they respond. Matty Cash was the hero — smashing home a thunderous left-foot strike in the first half after a clever corner routine. The goal was pure class and perfectly executed from the training ground.
“It wasn’t even meant for me,” Cash laughed after the match. But nobody in the Holte End cared — Villa were back to winning ways, their fourth Premier League victory in a row. Unai Emery’s men are now flying high in eighth place ahead of a trip to Liverpool.
Haaland Contained, Frustrated, Denied
Once again, City’s star man couldn’t find his magic. Last season, he managed just one touch in Villa’s box. This time, he had three — but every effort was comfortably handled by Emiliano Martínez. Haaland’s frustration was clear; his shots lacked their usual venom, and Villa’s defenders, led by the outstanding Ezri Konsa and Amadou Onana, gave him no room to breathe.
When Pau Torres blocked a Savinho shot late on, his reaction — double fist-pump and a roar toward the stands — said it all. This was Villa’s night.
Cash, Konsa, and Courage
Beyond the goal, Matty Cash was everywhere. He not only scored the winner but also completely neutralized Jérémy Doku, celebrating every defensive duel like a personal victory. Konsa continued his brilliant form, and Martínez was a wall behind them.
Ross Barkley and Onana threw themselves in front of late City chances as the home crowd counted down the seconds. By the final whistle, Villa Park was rocking.
City’s Grey Day
In their bright blue and yellow third kit — supposedly inspired by the Manchester weather — City ended with 18 shots, four on target, and zero goals. Pep Guardiola’s side looked sharp in moments, but never truly dangerous.
For Haaland and City, Villa Park remains cursed ground. For Villa, it was the perfect response — grit, belief, and a statement win.
