Fernandinho hails City's character after Villa win | OneFootball

Manchester City captain, Fernandinho believes he and his teammates have the character to go on and win the Premier League following our 2-1 win over Aston Villa.

Pep Guardiola's side ran out winners after goals from Phil Foden and Rodrigo cancelled out John McGinn's early opener, in a game that saw both teams finish with 10 men as John Stones and Matty Cash were both sent off.

The victory means City sit 11 points clear of Manchester United at the top of the Premier League, needing just eight points from our final five games.

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Fernandinho believed the character he and his teammates showed at Villa Park - and throughout the season - is key to our chances of securing a third league title in four years.

"We recovered possession and controlled the game and turned it around in the first half and the second half was tough.

"But at the end it was a good game and we’re happy for another victory.

"We have five games left to play but with the character of our players we are sure we can do it."

The City skipper also paid tribute to the hard work of not just his teammates, but the whole club after Guardiola's side moved within eight points of the Premier League title.

"I'm pleased for the team, the players and everyone at the club because we have fought a lot to reach this point.

"We are so close we just need to focus and concentrate. We have five games left and we’ll see what happens."

One man who starred in our victory over Dean Smith's side was Foden, after the England international netted our equaliser whilst also playing an instrumental part in our attack throughout the 90 minutes.

As a result, Fernandinho paid tribute to his teammate after another impressive performance.

"I've known him about five years, since he was a little boy and he’s showed his quality, no doubt about that.

"He’s matured and is taking the actions better, again he scored today and he’s been awesome.

"I'm so pleased and happy for him because he’s a nice boy and deserves the best."

The only mark on another blistering away performance from City came just before the break as John Stones was sent off for a challenge on Jacob Ramsey, following a VAR check.

Fernandinho had sympathy for Stones, as the dismissal rules the centre-back out of Sunday's Carabao Cup final with Tottenham Hotspur.

"I feel sorry for him, to miss the cup final. This was a tough game fighting for the title, not easy for any player but we're behind him and supporting him."

Despite the sending off the skipper still had praise for the England defender, after a superb season at the heart of City's defence.

"He’s helped us in different situations this season, scoring goals, defending well, keeping the ball, you can name so many ways he’s helped us this season.

"We will miss him on Sunday but I am pleased for him overall because he’s been one of the best players so far for us this season."