Pep Guardiola admitted Manchester City’s late 94th-minute winner against Aston Villa highlighted the squad’s resilience despite a disappointing Premier League campaign this season.
A sensational 94th-minute header from Matheus Nunes (27) rescued Manchester City from a potential draw against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium. Jeremy Doku (22) had only entered the match in the 70th minute before supplying the perfectly weighted cross, and the Brazilian guided his nod over the line to spark scenes of elation among the home crowd.
City seized an early advantage through Bernardo Silva (30), who slotted home after a composed build-up in the 15th minute. Aston Villa responded after the interval when Marcus Rashford (27) coolly converted a penalty on 62 minutes, following a challenge in the box that left the referee with no choice but to point to the spot.
The late winner moves City within two points of the Champions League qualification zone, as they battle to finish in the top five with four matches left to play. Their run-in includes a trip to Newcastle United, home clashes with Chelsea and Nottingham Forest, and a season finale at Leeds United.
This result ends a mini-slump that saw City collect just seven points from their previous four league fixtures. The clean slate resets momentum, but Guardiola warned his squad that any further drops could prove costly in their bid to secure European football.
Guardiola admitted he felt more relief than joy at the final whistle. He reminded everyone that a single moment of brilliance cannot disguise the inconsistency that has plagued their campaign, stressing that City have set sky-high standards and that this season ranks among their most challenging.
The manager quipped that thrilling last-gasp victories are usually reserved for Liverpool, suggesting his side briefly borrowed their flair by snatching victory at the death. Despite the jest, he conceded frustration at too many games slipping away earlier in the season.
On the pitch, City controlled possession for large periods and dominated key duels in midfield, creating a platform for forward forays. The back four, marshalled by Ruben Dias (27), repelled Aston Villa’s counter-attacks with unwavering discipline and precise organisation.
The atmosphere inside a sold-out Etihad Stadium reached fever pitch as supporters waved scarves and chanted Guardiola’s name throughout the second half. The roar that greeted Nunes’s decisive header underscored why City’s home form remains a key advantage in tight contests.
Guardiola reserved special praise for Doku, noting the Belgian’s direct runs and positional intelligence. His substitute contribution not only unsettled Villa’s defence but also epitomised City’s reliance on versatile talent off the bench to swing matches in their favour.
Looking ahead, City face pivotal fixtures against Chelsea, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Leeds United. Guardiola insisted there is no room for complacency if they aim to secure Champions League football for another season, emphasising that every point will be vital.
Defender Ruben Dias underlined that qualification for Europe’s elite competition ranks above all other objectives this term. He stated that top-four or top-five status represents the squad’s principal aim and vowed that every remaining fixture will be approached as though it were a final.
As Manchester City regroup following a campaign marked by sporadic brilliance and unexpected setbacks, their supporters will demand consistency over the final stretch. This stoppage-time triumph provides a morale boost, but the squad must deliver at an elite level to meet Guardiola’s lofty expectations and salvage what has become a faltering season.
