Following a sumptuous performance in Seville, league leaders City arrived at Villa Park with more than just a spring in their step.
However with new manager Remi Garde at the helm, Pellegrini warned of complacency going into the game with rock-bottom Villa who clearly had a point to prove to their new boss as well as being desperate to end their torrid record against the Blues - the Manchester side having claimed the points on seven of the last eight meetings.
A frustrating 90 minutes ensued with neither side able to find a goal however Pellegrini believes City were unlucky not to come away victorious.
“We’re disappointed because I think we did enough to we the game” said the City boss.
“We dominated and they had just one shot on our goal. We had three of four very clear chances to score and we didn’t, but we did enough to win.”
It was an opposition formula we’re accustomed to seeing as Villa’s rearguard action ground out a point that was greeted almost like a victory at full time.
“I think Aston Villa defended very well” reflected Pellegrini.
“They had nine out of ten often in their box. We tried to make a breakthrough. Two or three times we were very unlucky.
“I said before that it was going to be a difficult game. They have a new manager and a lot of motivation. They changed their system.
“We had clear chances, but didn’t take them and this happens in football.”
Another blot on City’s day was the departure of Wilfried Bony who limped off before half time forcing Manuel to rethink his approach in the second 45 minutes.
“We lost a striker and that was one more thing unfortunate to happen but we had to find a way to work without him.
“I always say if you can’t win, don’t lose. Nine out of ten of games like this you may lose on the counter attack. We concentrated and didn’t allow Aston Villa any chances.”
