Pep's toil of the tape with City KO

BOSS FORCED HIMSELF TO WATCH VILLA HORROR SHOW

- BY TYRONE MARSHALL

PEP GUARDIOLA put himself through a video nasty on Thursday when he rewatched Manchester City's 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa last December.

It was the nightmare before Christmas for City, extending a dismal run of form that derailed their season, but as they prepare to head back down the M6, things are looking a lot brighter.

City are nine games unbeaten, well placed to progress in the Champions League and back in the Premier League title race.

But the foundations for their renewed optimism were laid in the second half of last season.

Guardiola didn't recognise the team he watched succumb at Villa Park in the week, but this version is beginning to remind him of the most successful sides he has built in a trophy-laden decade at the Etihad.

Guardiola said: "I saw the game yesterday, we didn't have energy, we didn't deserve anything.