Late goals from Toure and Aguero seal deserved win
Just as the Premier League was set for a week long break, with the dreaded international fixtures on the horizon, City travelled to Villa Park to play a much improved Aston Villa. Prior to the last international break, City lost at home to Stoke City. That defeat seemed to have a lasting effect, and the players looked determined to ensure that they didn't suffer the same fate.
There were three changes from Wednesday night's game against Roma, with Eliaquim Mangala, Aleksandar Kolarov and James Milner replacing Martin Demichelis, Gael Clichy and Jesus Navas.
City immediately started on the front foot, with David Silva in particular putting in a truly spectacular performance. The little Spaniard created numerous chances, popping up in all areas of the pitch and causing havoc for the Aston Villa defence and midfield, expertly playing in between the lines.
City's first real chance of the game came through Edin Dzeko. The Bosnian looked slightly off the pace all game, and lashed a shot high and wide that he should have arguably have done better with. Despite three good chances from corners just prior to half, City rather frustratingly found themselves going in level at the break.
The second half started with great chances for both sides. Firstly, Sergio Aguero hit the post after an excellent through ball from James Milner. Almost immediately Villa hit City on the counter, but Kieron Richardson fired straight at Joe Hart after great work from Charles N'Zogbia.
Sensing increasing danger, Pellegrini responded by bringing on Fernando and Frank Lampard for Fernandinho and Edin Dzeko. It was a move which gave City greater control of the game, and in the 82nd minute the Blues took a deserved lead.
Yaya Toure curled a quite exquisite shot past Brad Guzan into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. It was a goal that City deserved, and six minutes later, Sergio Aguero secured the points by lashing home from 20 yards, ensuring that City went into the international break with an all important win.