Aston Villa produced a stunning performance to beat Manchester City and extend their winning home run to 14 games.
Leon Bailey’s second half deflected strike was the difference between the two sides, but the scoreline failed to reflect the 90 minutes which saw last season’s treble winners swept aside at Villa Park.
Two quickfire saves from Emi Martinez to deny Erling Haaland in the first half were as close as City came to troubling the home backline.
Villa saw chances come and go, including a disallowed goal when Douglas Luiz looked to have headed home against his former club, but winger Bailey struck the decisive blow 15 minutes from time.
Manager Unai Emery said that while the performance and result had been pleasing in lifting his side to third in the Premier League, his focus was already on the next game.
“We have to keep the balance. We have another amazing challenge on Saturday at Villa Park against Arsenal.
“We have to enjoy it, prepare the match as professionals being responsible with our work and then focus on the demands we are going to face.”