Instant Recap: Villa look like a team again

It wasn't quite The Undertaker-esque, but Aston Villa were on a big losing run. But Remi Garde was the Brock Lesnar to Tim Sherwood's former side and Villa held off league leaders Manchester City, taking a huge point in a 0-0 draw.

Before the game, we knew the result wasn't the most important thing today, but rather it would be the performance. And what a performance it was! Yes, Manchester City were by far the most offensively threatening side, but Villa's defence was resolute to keep them at bay the whole game. Yes, there were elements of luck throughout, but Villa have had no luck at all this season, so it was nice to actually get a helping hand for once.

This was Remi Garde's first game in charge, but don't mistake the result as the honeymoon period for new managers. Just take a look at the starting line-up he went with-

Team news: Confirmed #AVFC side to face #MCFC this afternoon. #AVLMCI pic.twitter.com/Qx5N58smfr

— Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) November 8, 2015

Villa's strongest players, playing in the right positions. It doesn't take a tactical genius to know that that's how you go about things the right way. Sorry Tim. And when Jores Okore gets fully fit and Ashley Westwood returns to the squad, it only gets stronger.

What we learned

Brad Guzan put in another Jekyll and Hyde performance. Distribution, awful. Handling, suspect. Aerial prowess, second to none. And THAT save to deny Raheem Sterling at close range, incredible. Yeah, he got lucky in the sense that Sterling smashed the ball into his face from two yards, but his face was in the right place.

Carles Gil and Jordan Ayew didn't have any real chances, but both played well. It's hard to play up top when your side is on the back foot for 90% of the game, but they did a good job of holding up play and looking to break when they could. Much better than Gabby on Monday.

Rudy Gestede will never be the best Aston Villa player. But the second half substitute endeared himself to the Villa faithful by hammering a pass-back throw-in (after an injury stoppage) straight at Joe Hart, forcing an error and a corner. Not terribly sporting no, but it showed passion and a want to win, which is good to see from a new signing.

Scott Sinclair and Jordan Veretout were probably Villa's worst two players. Sinclair was just outplayed and marked out of the game by Bacary Sagna. To be fair to Jordan Veretout, he grew into the game, and will definitely have better days in the Claret and Blue.

Finally, I have to give a mention to the Villa Park faithful. The atmosphere was incredible, and the noise when Fabian Delph was introduced was second to none. Absolutely hilarious and I honestly believe it helped the team get over the line.

It wasn't a win, but it was definitely a great result. Onwards and upwards.