Bent strikes as Villa shatter City

Mancini's men defeated 1-0 in the Premier League.

BIRMINGHAM: Darren Bent enjoyed a dream debut as his first-half strike gave Aston Villa a 1-0 victory over Manchester City and dealt Roberto Mancini’s men a major Premier League title blow.

Bent, who arrived from Sunderland, struck just 17 minutes into his Villa bow when he displayed the predatory instincts which persuaded Gerard Houllier to pay £24 million for his services.

Aston Villa manager Houllier praised the immediate impact made by Bent that helped move the struggling club three points clear of the relegation zone. “His finishing touch was just like a natural-born goal-scorer,” said Houllier. “It’s something that we can’t teach because he was full of composure.”

Bent, who has now scored on debut three times having achieved the same feat with previous clubs Charlton and Sunderland, was delighted. “It was a difficult game, they always say the first goal is the most important and we got it early,” said Bent. “It’s been a hard week but these are the occasions we enjoy and I’m going to enjoy it tonight.”

Meanwhile, Villa’s victory proved to be a disastrous end to the day for City’s £27 million signing Edin Dzeko after he wasted a glorious chance late on as Mancini’s team remained third, three points behind leaders Manchester United having played two more games.

“He’s very talented,” said City’s club assistant manager Brian Kidd. “No doubt he needs a few games. Before he came here I don’t think he’s played for 40-plus days.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 24^th, 2011.