Now Reading: Nunes’ Late Goal Clinches Man City’s 2-1 Victory Over Villa
-
01
Nunes’ Late Goal Clinches Man City’s 2-1 Victory Over Villa
Manchester City edged out Aston Villa 2-1 in a gripping Premier League Matchday 34 encounter at the Etihad Stadium on April 22, 2025, with Matheus Nunes scoring a crucial stoppage-time winner to bolster City’s chase for a UEFA Champions League qualification spot. The match, a high-stakes battle between two sides vying for top-five finishes, showcased intense competition and pivotal moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
City took the lead in the 7th minute when Omar Marmoush darted past Villa’s Matty Cash and cut the ball back for Bernardo Silva, who rifled a shot past Emiliano Martínez despite the goalkeeper’s touch. Villa responded swiftly, earning a penalty in the 18th minute after Rúben Dias fouled Jacob Ramsey in the box. Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, coolly converted, sending Stefan Ortega the wrong way to level the score. The first half saw Villa’s Rashford nearly score within 17 seconds, hitting the post, while City dominated possession but struggled to convert chances.
The second half was a tactical chess match, with Villa’s defense, led by Tyrone Mings, holding firm against City’s relentless attacks. Rashford squandered a golden opportunity, shooting into the side netting with Ortega out of position. As the game seemed destined for a draw, Pep Guardiola’s substitution of Jérémy Doku proved decisive.
In the 94th minute, Doku’s precise cross found Nunes at the back post, and the Portuguese midfielder slotted home his first Premier League goal for City, sending the Etihad into ecstasy. Guardiola called the win a “massive step” for Champions League qualification, while Unai Emery praised Villa’s competitiveness despite the loss.
The result moved City to third with 61 points, one point ahead of Nottingham Forest, while Villa remained seventh with 57 points, their top-five hopes dented but alive. Nunes’ heroics and Rashford’s penalty were the talking points, with Ollie Watkins, a late substitute, unable to add to his 13-goal tally this season.
