David Silva's first Premier League goal since April has given Manchester City the lead over Aston Villa at the interval.
Silva broke the deadlock on 43 minutes when he bundled home from very close range following a goalmouth scramble.
The hosts had dominated right from the kickoff and Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan has been the busiest player on the pitch so far.
The USA international made impressive stops to deny Silva, Gael Clichy, Samir Nasri and Carlos Tevez.