Last updated on April 23, 2025
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Bernardo Silva opened the scoring in the 7th minute.
Image credit: Manchester City
Manchester City climbed to third in the Premier League with a dramatic 2-1 win over Aston Villa, thanks to a 94th-minute goal from Matheus Nunes.
The late winner not only gave Pep Guardiola’s side a crucial three points in the race for Champions League qualification, but also extended Villa’s miserable record at the Etihad—now 15 straight league losses on this ground.
How It Unfolded
The match began with City asserting their dominance early on.
Bernardo Silva opened the scoring in the 7th minute after finishing off Omar Marmoush’s cutback that took a deflection off Ezri Konsa.
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However, Villa quickly responded.
Marcus Rashford, revitalized since his move from Manchester United, leveled the score from the penalty spot in the 18th minute after Ruben Dias brought down Jacob Ramsey.
Despite City’s protests and Guardiola’s visible frustration at the decision—especially after viewing replays—Rashford confidently converted the spot-kick.
The game remained locked at 1-1 well into stoppage time, with both sides squandering opportunities to snatch the win.
James McAtee nearly gave City the lead with a delicate chip that drifted agonizingly wide, while Rashford was twice denied by the woodwork and the goalkeeper in the first half.
Doku’s Magic, Nunes’ Moment
As the clock ticked into the fourth of five added minutes, substitute Jeremy Doku produced a moment of magic.
Gliding past Axel Disasi on the left flank, Doku delivered an exquisite low cross with the outside of his boot.
It rolled perfectly across the six-yard box, meeting Matheus Nunes who fired home into the bottom corner for his first Premier League goal of the season.
Cue wild celebrations. Guardiola embraced the match-winner, made the rounds to applaud his squad, and saluted the home fans.
It was a release of tension and relief, as City edged clear in a tightly contested battle for European spots.
Table Stakes and What’s Next
With this win, City now sit third—four points above both Villa and Chelsea, though the Blues have a game in hand.
City’s remaining fixtures include relegated Southampton and Wolves, while Chelsea must contend with tough opponents in Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.
The result significantly impacts the European race.
Just four points separate five teams vying for Champions League and Europa League places, setting up a tense finale to the campaign.
Rashford’s Revival
Despite the result, Marcus Rashford’s performance was a bright spot for Villa.
After a rocky end to his Manchester United stint, the forward has found form and confidence again under Unai Emery.
Though his goal tally at Villa remains modest, his movement, pace, and involvement in key moments signal a player on the rise again.
His penalty conversion and overall play showed glimpses of the talent that once made him England’s next big star.
Greeted with jeers by the home crowd as he was substituted late on, Rashford quietly acknowledged the traveling fans—another sign of his maturity and composure.
Player Ratings & Standouts
- Player of the Match: Jeremy Doku (6.86 avg rating) – the architect of the winning goal, Doku’s late cameo was the difference-maker.
Other Notables:
- Matheus Nunes (6.68): Heroic match-winner.
- Marcus Rashford: Unfortunate not to score more; a constant threat.
Final Word
Manchester City may not be the dominant force of previous seasons, especially with key absentees like Erling Haaland and Rodri watching from the sidelines, but this gritty performance proved they still have the fight.
