Manchester City secured a crucial 2-1 Premier League victory over Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time winner from Matheus Nunes.
The goal, scored in the fourth minute of added time, lifted City to third place in the table and put them firmly in control of their Champions League qualification hopes with four games remaining in the season.
Bernardo Silva had opened the scoring early for City, but Villa’s Marcus Rashford leveled from the penalty spot after a VAR review for a foul by Ruben Dias on Jacob Ramsey.
Despite the setback, City continued to press for a winner, which eventually came through Nunes, who tapped in a precise cross from substitute Jérémy Doku.
Pep Guardiola’s reaction to the late winner was notably intense and uncharacteristic. He launched into a frenzied celebration, including a primal roar and fist-pumping dance, reflecting the emotional weight of the moment.
Guardiola admitted that City are not used to scoring late winners as frequently as some of their Premier League rivals like Liverpool and Arsenal, making the victory feel unusual but deeply satisfying given the pressure to secure Champions League football.
Guardiola praised Nunes, who played in an emergency full-back role due to injuries, highlighting his pace, physicality, and personality both on and off the pitch.
He also lauded Doku’s contribution, describing him as a game-changer with exceptional speed in tight spaces.
The win ended Villa’s five-game winning streak and left them seventh in the table, four points behind City. Villa manager Unai Emery acknowledged the disappointment but emphasized the need to quickly refocus ahead of their FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace.
He praised his team’s competitiveness despite the late loss and urged them to maintain their high standards moving forward.
This victory marks a significant moment in what has been a challenging season for Manchester City. While they are unlikely to retain their Premier League title after four consecutive wins, securing a top-five finish and Champions League qualification remains a vital objective.
Guardiola recognized the season’s difficulties but expressed satisfaction with his squad’s resilience and performance under pressure34.
In summary, Manchester City’s last-gasp victory over Aston Villa not only boosts their Champions League prospects but also showcases the team’s fighting spirit amid a turbulent campaign.
Guardiola’s rare emotional celebration underlines the importance of the result and the high stakes involved as the season nears its conclusion.
ALSO READ: Manchester United target Victor Osimhen and Xavi Simons in €155M transfer rebuild
