Rodri Clarifies Penalty Row Against Aston Villa Involving Two Other Man City Stars

• Manchester City beat Aston Villa 3-1 through a dominant first-half display
• Pep Guardiola's men closed the gap on Arsenal in the league to three points
• The third goal was a penalty which sparked drama between three City stars

Manchester City bounced back from their defeat against Tottenham Hotspur and returned to winning ways against Aston Villa, dispatching the West Midlands club 3-1 in front of their home fans.

The Citizens utilised their openings in the first half to race to a 3-0 lead over Unai Emery's men at half-time, with the Villans pulling one back in the second half through striker, Ollie Watkins.

Spanish midfielder, Rodri opened the scoring with a well-taken header in the fourth minute of the match before captain, Ilkay Gundogan doubled the lead in the 39th.

Riyad Mahrez made it three from the spot, but the goal was mired in controversy.

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Rodri clarifies penalty row

As reported by Daily Star, Jack Grealish won a contentious penalty against his former club. Rodri, Erling Haaland and Mahrez all lined up to take the resulting kick before Gundogan stepped in and gave it to the Algerian.

Speaking after the game, as quoted by Express, Rodri revealed the conversation between the four players before the kick was passed on to Mahrez, who scored.

“It was clear and the captain decides. I have to accept the decision. He just said Riyad is the normal shooter, but I just asked because I was filled with confidence at that moment, but I understand and accept the decision,” he said.

Haaland could not add to his tally of 25 league goals this season before he was injured and replaced by World Cup winner, Julian Alvarez.

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“I don’t know [if Haaland should have taken it]; it depends on the coach who decides before the game and it was Riyad,” he added.

Villans slam Grealish for diving

Sports Brief also reported on Villa fans feeling betrayed by Grealish, after their former player appeared to have dived to win a penalty in the first half of their encounter.

Their grievances appeared a bit exaggerated as the VAR looked into the incident and deemed it worthy of a penalty, which only seemed to make them unhappier.

The England international came through the ranks at Bodymoor Heath before joining Man City for what was a British record fee of £100-mil in 2021.