Unai Emery has revealed why Harvey Elliott was excluded from Aston Villa's squad for their clash with Manchester City. The Villans claimed their fourth successive Premier League win on Sunday afternoon, defeating title challengers City at Villa Park for the third consecutive season.

Matty Cash scored the match's only goal in the 19th minute, courtesy of a cleverly-worked set-piece and a pass from Emi Buendía. Elliott's exclusion from the side became a major talking point when the starting XI was revealed at 12:45pm. "I explained it two days ago in the press conference," Emery replied when questioned about Elliott's omission from the matchday squad.

"He is training well, and he played some matches, but the performances weren't what we needed.

"Some players are playing as a number 10, and they are playing well, like Buendia and Rogers, also Ross Barkley after he was out.

"In the squad today we needed to take one player out, and I decided for him. I am happy with him.

"He is training good. His commitment is fantastic and he is a good guy....