Jack Grealish was at the centre of a half-time argument between Manchester City and Aston Villa players at Villa Park.

City trailed at the break as their poor form continued in the Midlands, with Grealish starting his first game back at his former home four years after leaving in a £100m deal. He was booed with every touch of the ball in a difficult first half for City, but his physical treatment had tempted Villa full back Matty Cash into a booking after a series of late fouls.

As the referee blew his whistle for half-time, Grealish raced to the officials to complain about something - either the regular fouling or the timing of his whistle. Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez then ran towards the City man to push him away, earning the Argentine a yellow card.

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Erling Haaland got involved and pushed Martinez, before Grealish and Ezri Konsa were in an animated chat on the way back to the tunnel in the far corner of Villa Park. A home coach also looked to aim some words in Grealish's direction as the City no.10 was escorted to the dressing room by security staff.

City trailed 1-0 at the break with Jhon Duran scoring early in the half for the home side. Pep Guardiola made a change at the break, replacing John Stones with Kyle Walker.