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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Jack Flintham

Defiant support, Will Ferrell and other Man City moments missed vs Aston Villa

Manchester City were comfortable victors over Aston Villa to move within three points of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.

The Blues got off to the perfect start at the Etihad Stadium with Rodri powering home a header from close range which Emi Martinez could not keep out. City had their tails up, but they needed to wait until the 39th minute to have their second.

Strong running by Erling Haaland allowed him to get to the byline. The angle was too tight for a shot but his powerful cross was perfect for Ilkay Gundogan to tap home.

ALSO READ: City ratings vs Villa

City's third came from the penalty spot as Jack Grealish was fouled. Riyad Mahrez converted just before half time to put City firmly in control.

Aston Villa would score a consolation on the hour mark through Ollie Watkins but it did little to change the course of the game. Following the emphatic victory, here is what MEN Sport spotted that you could have missed during the match.

1) City fans backing their club

It was expected that the Blues supporters would be defiant against the Premier League charges but to what extent was not 100 per cent clear. However, when the bus arrived to a barrage of blue smoke it was clear that the City fans were ready to back the club.

Huge boos drowned out the Premier League anthem prior to kick-off in an act of defiance that could not be missed. What may have been were some of the chants that were bellowed during the game.

Those of note included pro-Sheikh Mansour songs, a rare sight despite the high regard he is held in by the supporters, and chants for City's ex-boss Roberto Mancini whose alleged payments form part of the Premier League's case against City.

Manchester City fans making their thoughts clear (Getty Images)

2) Hollywood royalty arrives at the Etihad

Fresh off taking in National League side Wrexham's victory over Wealdstone on Saturday, comedian and actor Will Ferrell was at the Etihad to witness City's comfortable victory. Before kick-off, Ferrell joked that he was in Manchester to scout players for his beloved MLS side Los Angeles FC.

Blues supporters will be less impressed that he has a long-standing friendship with Manchester United legend Roy Keane who he met at Soccer Aid. A true dampener on his appearance in the blue half of the city.

Will Ferrell poses for a picture ahead of kick off at the Etihad (Getty Images)

3) Moments applause for Tudor Thomas

Before kick-off, City and Villa came together to remember the life of Tudor Thomas, the Blues' honorary president, who died last week. The Tudor Room at the Etihad Stadium was dedicated to him in recognition of his support over the years.

A successful businessman in Stockport, Thomas helped fundraise for the club's academy and would often be found on matchday entertaining match officials and scouts on behalf of the Blues.

A minutes applause for Tudor Thomas before the match with Aston Villa (Getty Images)

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