Man City narrow gap on Arsenal after comfortable win against Villa

Manchester City produced one of their best displays of the season as they overpowered Aston Villa 3-1 on Sunday just days ahead of their showdown with leaders Arsenal.

The champions have had a difficult week after they were charged with breaching the Premier League’s Financial Fair Play regulations on Monday.

But the players responded with a brilliant performance, racing into a 3-0 half-time lead with goals from Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez.

Ollie Watkins pulled one back after the break but the visitors were no match for a fired-up City at a raucous Etihad Stadium and did not threaten to get back into the game.

“Today was a game to show that we are in good shape, and from the first minute we did a great game,” Rodri told Sky Sports. “We are happy and now every game is a final for us.

“Here at the Etihad we feel if we score in the first minutes then the game is for us, so we are happy with the performance.”

The result put City firmly back in the title race, just three points behind Arsenal with the chance to go top when they play the Gunners on Wednesday.

City manager Pep Guardiola had issued a rallying cry with a passionate defence of the club prior to the game.

The fans responded by creating an imposing atmosphere, starting with vociferous booing of the Premier League anthem and with chants supporting owner Sheikh Mansour.

FULL-TIME | All three points!