John Carews first half goal made sure City stayed 17th, and stayed well in a relegation battle, as they missed out on a chance to widen themselves from the relegation zone. Phil Brown brought Ian Ashbee, Andy Dawson, Richard Garcia and Daniel Cousin all came back into the starting line up following last weeks defeat at home by Liverpool, with Craig Fagan and Bernard Mendy left out the squad. City started the brighter of the two sides, as they looked to take advantage of Villa’s recent poor home form, as Ashbee volleyed just wide of the post.
But it was to be the City skippers last piece of action, as he went into a full blooded challenge with James Milner, and was forced to be replaced by Dean Marney, a worrying sign for City fans, due to how longs left in the season, aswell as Ashbees previous probelms with his knee. The hosts first real chance didn’t arrive till the 25th minute, as Myhill was forced to tip Milners free kick over the bar. Nine minutes later, Myhil was left helpless. Barry and Petrov dispossed Boateng in the Villa half, before breaking swiftly, and Ashley Yound crossing and Carew beat the offside trap to divert the ball into the net. Gabby Agbonlahor had a good chance just near the break, and he turned Kamil Zayatte, but his effort was saved by Myhill, when he could have took it further, or crossed. Geovanni and Cousin had to be seperated on the field as they was walking off for the break, due to an argument that had started during the first half.
Geovanni was sacrificed during half time for Nick Barmby. Villa started the first half the way they had finished the first, as Gareth Barry his a fantastic right footed effort that seemed destined for the top corner, but was denied by an even better save from Myhill. Myhill had to be on hand moments later, as he beated a stinging Milner drive away moments later, but Myhills best save of the day was still to come. Zat Knight headed from a Villa free kick, to Agbonlahor who headed towards goal from a matter of yards, but Myhill made a stunning reflec save to deny the striker. Cousin had City’s first chance of the second half, but his effort was weak and easily saved by Brad Friedel. City’s final chance fell to Manucho, but his header was saved by Friedel. The result left City looking ever more like getting relegated, and they have the biggest game of their season so far on Saturday, as Stoke City travel to the KC, which is a definate six pointer.
