Aston Villa

[Freddy Adu]

But they could not display the killer touch, although Carew hit the post and Gabriel Agbonlahor had an effort cleared off the line, and have still to defeat City at home since 2002.

[Freddy Adu]

Villa have now gone four matches without a win and collected just two points since picking up a maximum nine during a three match away run.

[Freddy Adu]

But there were enough encouraging signs for them not to be too downcast via the power of Carew and the pace and trickery of Ashley Young while at the back Martin Laursen dominated in the air.

[Freddy Adu]

dipping effort

[Freddy Adu]

City started brightly and Elano saw his dipping effort turned around the post by Scott Carson.

[Freddy Adu]

It came as no surprise when Bianchi put Eriksson's side ahead with his fifth goal of the campaign.

[Freddy Adu]

Elano found Martin Petrov in space on the left flank and he had time to steady himself before picking out the run of Bianchi who made no mistake from close range.

[Freddy Adu]

Villa quickly retaliated and after 14 minutes Carew used his power and pace to bring them back on level terms with his fourth goal of the season. Wilfred Bouma played the ball into the feet of the Norwegian international who shook off the challenge of Richard Dunne before drilling the ball across City keeper Joe Hart into the corner of the net.

[Freddy Adu]

A through ball from Reo-Coker almost played in Carew again but this time Richards came across to retrieve the situation for City.

[Freddy Adu]

Villa stepped up a gear and an inswinging Gareth Barry free-kick was met by Laursen whose goalbound header was cleared by Michael Ball.

[Freddy Adu]

The Danish international then had a header deflected just over the bar from close range by Dunne from a Young corner.

[Freddy Adu]

powerful drive

[Freddy Adu]

Gabriel Agbonlahor should have given Villa the lead when he found himself completely unmarked in front of goal after a deep Young corner had evaded everyone.

[Freddy Adu]

But the England Under-21 player failed to make a full contact and Elano was able to hook off the line.

[Freddy Adu]

Carew was looking dangerous and he forced Hart to finger-tip a powerful drive onto the far post after being released by Agbonlahor as Villa took control of the match.

[Freddy Adu]

City were the first to threaten in the second half with Vassell just to high with a far post header from Petrov's cross.

[Freddy Adu]

But Villa were soon back on top and Agbonlahor showed good skill to flick the ball over Dunne but dragged his shot wide.

[Freddy Adu]

Young was becoming an increasing threat and Ball was booked for bringing him down just outside the City box. Maloney took the resulting free-kick which Hart saved to his right at a comfortable height.

[Freddy Adu]

Villa looked more likely to take all three points towards the end, but Hart and his defence held on for an invaluable away point.

[Freddy Adu]

"It was frustrating because we started on the back foot and conceded an early goal again. I feel we should have won in the end. John Carew was fantastic, unplayable at times. He was immense with players hanging over him all game. It was a phenomenal performance and he doesn't get too many fouls either. He is supposed to just look after himself because he is so tall, but overall I couldn't be more pleased with the team."
- Martin O'Neill

[Freddy Adu]

"I was very happy with the spirit out there. We fought and tried to win. I was pleased Rolando Bianchi scored again. It was a typical Bianchi goal and he is settling in better and better. Villa were dangerous on the counter-attack, but the alternative is not to attack and we always want to take the risk and attack."
- Sven-Goran Eriksson

[Freddy Adu]

Rolando Bianchi
scored his third goal in three Premier League games to earn his side a valuable away point.

[Freddy Adu]

Manchester City 1-1 Aston Villa

[Freddy Adu]

Manchester City remain in the top four after a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa. City went ahead after 11 minutes as Rolando Bianchi slid in to steer home Martin Petrov's teasing cross for his fourth goal of the campaign.


But their joy was short-lived as John Carew scuffed the ball past Joe Hart after a swashbuckling run had taken him past Richard Dunne and Micah Richards on the edge of the penalty area.

[Freddy Adu]

For full match report, click here