Danny Murphy and Aston Villa ‘really surprised’ by what Pep Guardiola did to Man City – ‘Fuming’
Aston Villa were excellent as they secured a 1-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday.
Villa beat Man City once again at Villa Park to make it three consecutive home wins against the 10-time Premier League champions.
It was a controversial Matty Cash goal that secured a win against City after Matheus Nunes felt hard done by under challenge from Lucas Digne.
The Villans got what they deserved in the end as Unai Emery’s side saw out a result with the likes of Morgan Rogers catching the eye against City again.
Pep Guardiola surprised fans in B6, with Danny Murphy left shocked by what the Spaniard opted to do before the Midlands defeat.
Danny Murphy baffled by Tijjani Reijnders vs Aston Villa
Emi Buendia went off injured for Villa in what went on to be the home side’s only drawback on what was a near-perfect afternoon.
There was plenty of space available on the counterattack, which saw star names like Rogers, Jadon Sancho, and John McGinn thrive when flowing forward.
Things could have been so different for the Villans if they had come up against Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who missed out through injury.
Instead, Tijjani Reijnders featured at the base of midfield, but struggled to deal with the attacking force of Villa, which isn’t a surprise considering his usual position as a number eight.
The decision to start the Dutchman has a six came as a surprise to Murphy via Match of the Day on 26 October, and he believes Villa will have shared this shock.
He said: “I was really surprised to see the team sheet, as I’m sure Villa’s players were too.
“Pep had three orthodox defensive midfield players on the bench, Kovacic, Gonzalez and Rico Lewis, and he decided to play Reijnders, so he’s not playing just one holding midfielder, he’s playing someone who’s not used to playing the role, and Villa took advantage with the quality players they have.
“We know that Rogers and Buendia love to get in those pockets. Reijnders, to be fair to him, I don’t know if he’s not spotting it or hasn’t got that defensive awareness to spot danger.
“In this situation, Kamara and McGinn are on the edge of the box, Reijnders can’t get to them both, he’s got no help, he’s fuming because he’s got no help.”
Morgan Rogers exploited Manchester City weakness
If anyone wants to prove their qualities against Guardiola’s side, it is going to be the man who was let go by the Citizens just two years ago.
The England international departed the Etihad for Middlesbrough in 2023 and has since become a key figure in claret and blue.
Rogers once again showcased his qualities for Villa, taking advantage of City’s selection dilemma in B6.
The lack of a true defensive midfielder allowed the attacking midfielder to get on the ball and drive forward in trademark fashion.
Despite not picking up a goal involvement, there is no doubting just how influential the ex-City man was in the heart of Emery’s side.
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