Stoppage time goal gives City victory

Manchester City got their Champions League campaign back on track after an injury time goal by Sergio Aguero assured them all three points.

Aguero started on the bench as he had just recovered from a groin injury. Pablo Zabaleta and Aleksandr Kolarov replaced Micah Richards and Gael Clichy as full backs.

City had a horrible start to the game, as sloppy defending saw David Silva lose the ball which found its way to Giuseppe Rossi. Rossi hit a powerful shot that Joe Hart spilled, allowing Cani to score an easy goal in only the 4th minute.

City looked rattled after conceding so early, but went forward looking for an equalizer. Kolarov was in the thick of the action, first curling a shot just wide in the 12th minute, and then crossing for Nasri who saw his shot fly over the bar.

However, Villareal were soaking up the pressure and forced Roberto Mancini to make a bold move, substituting winger Adam Johnson for Gareth Barry in the 40th minute.

City's equalizer came just three minutes later, with Kolarov putting in a cross from the left that was helped into the net by a sliding Marchena.

Aguero was finally brought on in the 62nd minute as a replacement for Nigel De Jong. His introduction seemed to spark the team to life, with Kolarov trying a shot from distance and narrowly missing in the 75th minute.

Just two minutes later, Aguero himself played a splendid ball towards Dzeko, who fired over from just 10 yards out.

City had a golden chance to take the lead in the 91st minute, when Zabaleta had a free header from six yards out, but his shot was saved by Diego Lopez.

Just when it seemed that Villareal had done enough to get the draw, Aguero struck. In the 93rd minute, Milner played a brilliant pass through to Zabaleta who crossed low into the box. Silva flicked it on to Aguero who steered the ball into an empty net.

The victory will give City a massive confidence boost. They are now 3rd place in the Group A table with 4 points, just one point less than Napoli.