Well, 5 stars to the manager for his team selection. I applaud him
for leaving Jack on the bench and didn't even use him. Doubtless
Garde's already seen that Jack needs to work on his game and the media seem to be indicating that Garde is not happy about the hype surrounding Jack.
Also Garde did not have to be embarrassed about leaving out Gabby and Westwood (if that was his intention) as they are both injured.
Villa were lucky 3 times in the second half - it may have been 4 times actually. But maybe that luck has come to change around Villa's fortunes completely.
Sterling missed a point blank header, then another player got his legs tangled when a tap in was all that was required, and they hit the bar in injury time. Guzan also spilled a save but was lucky to see Clark on hand to get the ball away.
Villa did very well first half but you get the impression that City pace the game and let the opposition tire themselves out. Second half it was mostly a different story with Villa only very occasionally getting some moves together.
But it was a vast improvement - skill-wise, team selection wise and effort wise. Concentration was there ... aided by some luck. A recovery from the relegation zone could, indeed, be 'on', but I continue to be worried about our strikers.
Mmmm.. it was even a pleasure to see Zoggy come on ... he gave them something to worry about a couple of times.
Biggest joke (second half) was when Gestede did a customary throw-in back to their goalkeeper after a player injury, but he threw it at a fair pace and Hart (instead of letting the ball go out for a goal kick) attempted to field the ball ... it skimmed off him and went out for a corner!
Anyway ... to get a point off Man City after seven successive league defeats is a huge relief. We go into another international break, but this time with more hope for the next games we have to play.
Also Garde did not have to be embarrassed about leaving out Gabby and Westwood (if that was his intention) as they are both injured.
Villa were lucky 3 times in the second half - it may have been 4 times actually. But maybe that luck has come to change around Villa's fortunes completely.
Sterling missed a point blank header, then another player got his legs tangled when a tap in was all that was required, and they hit the bar in injury time. Guzan also spilled a save but was lucky to see Clark on hand to get the ball away.
Villa did very well first half but you get the impression that City pace the game and let the opposition tire themselves out. Second half it was mostly a different story with Villa only very occasionally getting some moves together.
But it was a vast improvement - skill-wise, team selection wise and effort wise. Concentration was there ... aided by some luck. A recovery from the relegation zone could, indeed, be 'on', but I continue to be worried about our strikers.
Mmmm.. it was even a pleasure to see Zoggy come on ... he gave them something to worry about a couple of times.
Biggest joke (second half) was when Gestede did a customary throw-in back to their goalkeeper after a player injury, but he threw it at a fair pace and Hart (instead of letting the ball go out for a goal kick) attempted to field the ball ... it skimmed off him and went out for a corner!
Anyway ... to get a point off Man City after seven successive league defeats is a huge relief. We go into another international break, but this time with more hope for the next games we have to play.
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