Aston Villa (4-5-1):
Brad Guzan – 6: Remains a weak link in this Villa side and almost fumbled a Manchester City effort into his own net in the opening period. Made a point-blank save from Sterling and tipped away a threatening cross late on, but he is not inspiring confidence in his backline.
Alan Hutton – 7: Got forward to good effect in the first-half and epitomised Villa’s desire with a couple of important last-ditch tackles and interceptions.
Micah Richards – 8: The Villa captain marshalled his defence well with several goal-saving tackles and blocks. Won his aerial duels and can be satisfied with a first clean sheet at Villa Park.
Ciaran Clark – 7: Bounced back from his error against Tottenham Hotspur to put in a typically committed display and also made some vital interventions when City stretched the play. He will be hoping for a run in the side to form a partnership with Richards.
Jordan Amavi – 7: A lapse of concentration in the second-half almost played the away side in but generally he stuck to his defensive duties well. He did not get forward as much as he usually would, but will be pleased with a solid display.
Carlos Sanchez – 7.5: In for Ashley Westwood and excelled in the heart of Villa’s midfield. He broke up play well and was reliable in possession as well as showing the ability to go past players when needed with brilliant trickery in tight situations.
Idrissa Gana Gueye – 7: One of his quieter performances but kept possession well and is proving to be a more than adequate replacement for Fabian Delph.
Carles Gil – 9: An imperious display from the Spanish talent. His passing accuracy was 97% and he was a constant menace to the Man City midfield. His energy to track back and pass and move all over the pitch was extremely impressive.
Scott Sinclair – 6.5: Produced a few moments of promise, but still has a tendency to go missing during parts of the game.
Jordan Veretout – 7.5: His best display in a Villa shirt and shows real promise. Composed on the ball and with the ability to go past people, he could be vital in Villa’s bid to end their goals shortage.
Jordan Ayew – 6.5: Grew frustrated at being the only striker leading the line and probably needs a forward partner alongside him to really shine. Showed glimpses of his attacking prowess.
Substitutes
Charles N’Zogbia – 6: Relieved the tiring Gil and made a few decent runs, but did not pull up any trees during his short time on the field.
Leandro Bacuna – N/A: Did not get enough time to make an impact.
Rudy Gestede – 6: Had arguably Villa’s best chance with his scooping effort which brushed the top of the net towards the end. Probably deserved more time on the field to support Ayew.
Aston Villa have managed as many clean sheets (1) under Rémi Garde this season as they did under Tim Sherwood. pic.twitter.com/oy7XMkAqK6
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 8, 2015
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