Prince William cheers on Aston Villa against Manchester City – but has to put a brave face on
Will-ing them to win against the odds! Duke of Cambridge cheers on his beloved Aston Villa against high-flying Manchester City – but has to put a brave face on as new manager Steven Gerrard suffers his first defeat
Prince William, 39, watched on from stands alongside team’s chief executive Christian Purslow at Villa ParkDuke, who has supported Villa since childhood, was pictured celebrating first goal scored by Ollie WatkinsHe then appeared more stoney-faced after first-half goals from Man City’s Ruben Dias and Bernardo SilvaPrince William is president of the Football Association (FA) and took over the role from his uncle in 2006
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Prince William was seen cheering on his beloved Aston Villa against high-flying Manchester City last night, putting a brave face on as the team’s new manager Steven Gerrard suffered his first defeat.
The Duke of Cambridge, 39, who has supported the Birmingham-based team since childhood, watched on from the stands alongside chief executive Christian Purslow at Villa Park.
He was pictured celebrating Villa’s first goal scored by Ollie Watkins before appearing more stoney-faced after first-half goals from Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva set Manchester City on their way to victory.
Prince William is president of the Football Association (FA) and took over the role from his uncle, the Duke of York, in 2006.
The Duke has taken a keen interest in all aspects of the game, including his support for the men’s and women’s national teams.
The Duke of Cambridge applauds Manchester City’s Jack Grealish as he leaves pitch following during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Manchester City at Villa Park
He was pictured celebrating Villa’s first goal scored by Ollie Watkins, but later put a brave face on as the team’s new manager Steven Gerrard suffered his first defeat
Prince William seen clapping from the stands after Villa’s first goal. He is president of the Football Association (FA) and took over the role from his uncle, the Duke of York, in 2006
He previously spoke out about why he is a fan of the club, and told the BBC in a 2015 interview: ‘A long time ago at school I got into football big time.
‘I was looking around for clubs. All my friends at school were either Man United fans or Chelsea fans and I didn’t want to follow the run of the mill teams.
‘I wanted to have a team that was more mid-table that could give me more emotional roller-coaster moments.
‘Aston Villa’s always had a great history. I have got friends of mine who support Aston Villa and one of the first FA Cup games I went to was Bolton v Aston Villa back in 2000. Sadly, Villa went on to lose to Chelsea.
‘It was fantastic, I sat with all the fans with my red beanie on, and I was sat with all the Brummie fans and had a great time. It was the atmosphere, the camaraderie and I really felt that there was something I could connect with.’
During Wednesday’s Premier League match, Portugal centre-half Dias scored from more than 20 metres after Raheem Sterling’s cutback flashed across the penalty area.
The Duke previously spoke out about why he is a fan of the club, and told the BBC in a 2015 interview: ‘I wanted to have a team that was more mid-table that could give me more emotional roller-coaster moments’
Prince William seated next to Aston Villa Chief Executive Christian Purslow during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Manchester City
The Duke has taken a keen interest in all aspects of the game, including his support for the men’s and women’s national teams
Silva doubled their advantage in the 43rd, volleying past Martinez from 15 metres after City broke away from their own penalty area with Riyad Mahrez releasing Gabriel Jesus on the right flank.
Ollie Watkins got Villa back into the game but City collected their fourth league win in a row.
Villa manager Steven Gerard said afterwards: ‘I thought our second-half performance certainly deserved that point. I think we had the two biggest moments of the half.’
He added: ‘In terms of what I think of my players I only appreciate and love them even more because if we can take City to the wire like that, that is a real positive for me.’
City manager Pep Guardiola commented: ‘We came here against an incredible team with quality and top players and the way we played in the first half and even the second was magnificent.
‘We conceded in the first minute of the second and it’s so difficult but we played with huge personality, a really good game,’ he said.
Prince William in the stands during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Man City at Villa Park, Birmingham
Villa manager Steven Gerard said afterwards: ‘I thought our second-half performance certainly deserved that point. I think we had the two biggest moments of the half’
Prince William putting on a brave face from the stands. During Wednesday’s Premier League match, Portugal centre-half Dias scored from more than 20 metres after Raheem Sterling’s cutback flashed across the penalty area
