Manchester City kept their Champions League dreams alive thanks to a dramatic late goal from Matheus Nunes, sealing a 2-1 win over Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night.
The match seemed destined for a draw after Marcus Rashford's penalty canceled out Bernardo Silva's early opener. But deep into stoppage time, Nunes met Jeremy Doku's pinpoint cross and fired past Emi Martinez to send the home crowd wild.
City took the lead in the 7th minute when Omar Marmoush's surge down the right set up Silva's powerful finish. Rashford had pegged Villa back in the 18th minute from the spot, after VAR adjudged Ruben Dias to have clipped Jacob Ramsey.
Stat attack: City outshot Villa 14-7 and now sit third with 61 points, though they have played a game more than their rivals. Villa remain seventh on 57 points and have now lost 15 straight at the Etihad.
"That was special," Guardiola said after the final whistle, praising his team's resilience. Villa manager Unai Emery admitted his side fell short in the closing stages of a hard-fought contest.
With this win, Manchester City strengthen their grip on a top-four spot, while Villa must regroup quickly to keep their European ambitions alive.
Reference(s):
Late Nunes goal lifts Man City to thrilling 2-1 win over Aston Villa
cgtn.com
