Manchester City Routs Aston Villa Thanks To Tevez, Aguero, Shamefully Bad Referee Incompetence

Finding themselves on the wrong end of a 5-0 scoreline would normally be embarrassing for Aston Villa. After a complete and total mockery of competent professionalism, the only people that ought to be embarrassed are the referees.

Manchester City vs. Aston Villa: Live Coverage And Open Match Thread

MANCHESTER CITY

OVERALL: 7-4-0, 25 pts +10 GD

POSITION: 17th

LAST 5: W-D-W-W-W

ASTON VILLA

OVERALL: 2-3-6, 7 pts -7 GD

POSITION: 17th

LAST 5: L-W-D-L-L

WHAT TO WATCH FOR:

• Villa's left defensive flank. Eric Lichaj has had a rough go at left back as of late, Enda Stevens has played just a bit over one full game at the Premier League level, and Villa's only other options are center backs or midfielders. Stevens has played well and Lichaj has a decent history of doing the same that predates his recent slump, but no matter which of David Silva or Samir Nasri start on the right for City, it's going to be a big task to handle.
• Villa's counter. It's been really quite good lately, and this team looks to be at their best when they're looking to catch the opposition on the break.
• Set pieces on both sides. Benteke is clearly a threat, while City can score directly from nearly anywhere in the attacking half of the pitch thanks to Silva, Aguero, Kolarov, etc. Probably Villa's best chance, and one of City's most potent weapons.

Manchester City vs. Aston Villa: The November Slog Continues

Manchester City at the Etihad is as difficult a game as there is in the Premier League, but just as was the case last week against Manchester United there's little to be gained by throwing caution to the wind.