Man City escape slump with last-gasp win over Aston Villa
Nunez’s late goal lifts City to a vital Premier League victory
Man City escape slump with a thrilling 2-1 win over Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium in Premier League Round 34. Goals from Bernardo Silva and Matheus Nunez earned Pep Guardiola’s side all three points, while Marcus Rashford scored Villa’s only goal from the penalty spot.
The win pushes City into third place with 61 points, closing the gap in the title race. Aston Villa, meanwhile, stay seventh with 57 points, putting their European qualification hopes at risk.
Early goal and a quick response
The home side started with intent, but it was Villa who almost struck first. Rashford unleashed a powerful low drive that smashed off the post in the opening minute. Man City responded swiftly through Bernardo Silva, who capitalized on a defensive lapse after Marmoush’s cross was only half-cleared. Silva’s effort deflected off goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and crept over the line in the 7th minute.
Shortly after, Villa were awarded a penalty following a VAR check for a foul on Jacob Ramsey. Rashford stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to level the match at 1-1 by the 18th minute.
Both teams miss big chances
Man City created several opportunities to retake the lead before halftime. Kovacic forced Martinez into a save with a long-range effort, and Gvardiol missed with a close-range header. Marmoush also squandered a good chance, heading wide from inside the box.
On the other end, Rashford nearly gave Villa the lead again, breaking free inside the box, but City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega produced a crucial stop to deny him. The half ended with both teams level, despite several near misses.
Second half tension builds at the Etihad
The second half was marked by cautious play and missed opportunities. McAtee almost caught Villa off guard after receiving a long pass from De Bruyne, but his chipped effort drifted wide of the post.
Villa remained dangerous on the counter. Rashford again found space and rounded Ortega but fired into the side netting. Marmoush thought he had scored after receiving a pass from Gundogan, but the flag was raised for offside.
Nunez seals it at the death
As the clock ticked down and a draw seemed inevitable, substitute Jeremy Doku burst down the wing and delivered a sharp low cross into the box. Matheus Nunez met it with a first-time strike in the 94th minute, sending the home fans into celebration and sealing the win.
In a tense and closely contested match, Man City escape slump with a dramatic stoppage-time goal that may prove vital in the Premier League run-in. Nunez’s winner not only secured three points but also gave City a much-needed momentum boost as the season enters its final stretch.
