Manchester City defeated Aston Villa in their first game since being accused of more than 100 rule breaches by the Premier League.
The Cityzens scored three first half goals enroute a victory that pushed them within three points of table-toppers Arsenal.
The Villans looked to pull themselves back into the game after Ollie Watkins’ fine finish in the second half but Ederson tipped Coutinho’s trademark shot over the bar and January signing Duran could only hit the bar from an acrobatic shot.
It was not quite a vintage display by Pep Guardiola’s side, who will go top of the table if they beat leaders Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, but they were much more like their old selves.
Erling Braut Haaland is a doubt for the encounter as he had to leave the pitch after seemingly struggling with what looks to be a thigh injury.
Guardiola had issued a defiant response to the charges before the game, and City’s fans reacted in similar fashion at a vibrant Etihad Stadium, singing songs, holding placards about their situation and in support of their manager, and also the club’s owner Sheikh Mansour.