Last updated on April 23, 2025
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Guardiola celebrated like he’d put the ball in the net himself.
Image credit: EuroFoot
Sometimes, Pep Guardiola doesn’t need words. His body language on the touchline says it all.
Every shout, every gesture, every drop to his knees — it’s pure theatre. And it tells you exactly how much is at stake.
In Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa, Guardiola was a man on edge.
The first half was filled with tension. Then came frustration — and eventually fury.
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A controversial penalty was awarded after VAR intervened, judging Ruben Dias to have fouled Jacob Ramsey.
Most viewers sided with the decision. Guardiola didn’t. He shook his head, ranted at his coaching staff, and unleashed a verbal barrage at the fourth official.
His outburst earned him a yellow card. Yet, even after halftime, he was visibly upset.
He returned to his seat just as the stadium screen replayed the incident. His face was set like stone.
Guardiola wasn’t done. He called on the fans to get louder. He gestured wildly, asking for more energy from the stands.
And when young James McAtee’s lob narrowly missed the goal, he sank to his knees in anguish.
Then came the breakthrough — Matheus Nunes scored deep into stoppage time.
Guardiola celebrated like he’d put the ball in the net himself. He hugged Nunes tightly.
He laughed with Kevin De Bruyne, even though the midfielder recently revealed Guardiola hadn’t tried to convince him to stay at the end of the season.
Make no mistake — this win mattered.
“You don’t have to be a scientist to realise we were playing against one of the best teams,” said Guardiola.
“Aston Villa showed their quality against Newcastle and PSG. They’re extraordinary. But we performed like we’ve done in the past, with full commitment.”
Now, City must focus on what Guardiola called “four finals.” The FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest comes next.
After that, the Premier League run-in — matches against Wolves, Southampton, Bournemouth, and Fulham. In between, perhaps, another trip to Wembley.
Adapting to Circumstance
To many, Manchester City’s football looks perfectly drilled and calculated.
But behind the scenes, Guardiola is constantly adapting. His squad isn’t what he imagined at the start of the season.
Injuries have sidelined key players like Rodri and Erling Haaland. They’ve had to sit on the bench, unavailable to start.
Against Everton, 20-year-old Nico O’Reilly stepped up, making only his fourth league appearance.
Against Villa, it was Matheus Nunes who played a surprise role. Bought from Wolves for £53 million in 2023, Nunes was meant to be a midfielder.
On this night, he played as a right-back.
“If you told me at the beginning of the season that we’d be in this position with Nico and Matheus at full-back, I’d have laughed,” Guardiola admitted.
“But Matheus is so well-loved. He looks serious to journalists, but in the locker room, he’s always laughing.”
Guardiola praised Nunes’ strength and endurance. “He can keep up with wingers and has become so important for us.”
Another problem solved. Another puzzle piece locked in.
Silverware and Supporter Sentiment
Manchester City has won at least one trophy every season since 2016-17. But many fans remain frustrated.
Once again, there were protests before the match — not about performances, but ticket prices.
The club argues that the revenue supports Guardiola’s ambitions. Fans, however, feel the cost is too high. And Guardiola agrees with them.
“I’m on the side of the people,” he said. “I don’t have to pay for a ticket, but I understand how they feel. When I go to the theatre or a concert, I want to see something I enjoy. Fans want to feel they’re getting value.”
He added, “We want them here. We want a full stadium every time.”
