Aston Villa vs Man City live score and goal updates as Haaland denied twice and Ederson makes big saves

It's a big night for Manchester City tonight as they aim to close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal when play Aston Villa. The Blues travel to Villa Park six points behind the Gunners after their last-gasp 4-3 win at Luton last night, so the pressure is on to bring home a positive result from the Midlands.

They haven't found it easy though against a strong Villa side who are only a point behind City in fourth place, and who have become a consistent force this season under manager Unai Emery's guidance.

Ederson was forced into a number of crucial early saves as the home side played an aggressive attacking style, putting the Blues under pressure and forcing mistakes. Erling Haaland had City's best opportunities in the first half - first a shot and then a subsequent close-range header were both saved well by Emi Martinez.

Pep Guardiola had to contend with some key absentees tonight. Both Rodri and Jack Grealish picked up their fifth yellow cards of the season against Tottenham on Sunday, meaning they are suspended for tonight's fixture, while Jeremy Doku missed out due to injury. City do welcome back John Stones, who started in midfield.

CITY XI: Ederson, Walker (c), Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol, Stones, Lewis, Foden, Bernardo, Alvarez, Haaland. Subs: Ortega, Carson, Phillips, Ake, Kovacic, Gomez, Nunes, Bobb.

Follow below for live updates from Villa Park, and find out how to watch the match here.

Bobb replaces Phil Foden.

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The lack of attacking options on the bench is summed up by the sight of Oscar Bobb coming on. The City fans chant his name as Guardiola gives detailed instructions.

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After another period of Villa pressure, Guardiola turns tot he bench.

Off come Alvarez and Lewis, on come Nunes and Kovacic.

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