Matheus Nunes emerged as the unlikely hero for Manchester City, securing a crucial 2-1 victory over Aston Villa with a dramatic winner in the 94th minute. If City ultimately qualifies for the Champions League, the Portuguese midfielder will undoubtedly be celebrated at the Etihad.
Few could have predicted this outcome. The £52 million signing has had a challenging couple of years since arriving from Wolves in the summer of 2023, even filling in as a makeshift full-back recently. Yet, in a pivotal moment, he was there to tap home the decider.
The decisive goal arrived deep in stoppage time when substitute Jeremy Doku surged down the left flank and delivered a low cross. Nunes arrived at the back post to slide the ball into the net.
With Bernardo Silva also finding the net earlier, this turned into a significant night for City`s Portuguese contingent.
The win came after it seemed Marcus Rashford, on his return to Manchester, might have the final say.
Aston Villa arrived in fine form, having won 10 of their last 11 games across all competitions and five straight in the league. Unai Emery`s selection, which saw Ollie Watkins on the bench again, was justified by their recent record.
Rashford, starting upfront, nearly made an immediate impact within 30 seconds, receiving a pass from Youri Tielemans, turning Ruben Dias inside out, and hitting a low shot off the post that bounced into Stefan Ortega`s arms.
City took the lead when Omar Marmoush broke down the left and crossed for Bernardo Silva, whose shot had just enough power to beat Emi Martinez. The Argentine keeper might feel he could have done better, but Silva was delighted to score his first goal since Boxing Day.
The lead was short-lived, lasting just 11 minutes.
Ruben Dias was judged to have clipped Jacob Ramsey as he burst into the box. Although referee Craig Pawson initially waved play on, VAR John Brooks recommended an on-field review. After consulting the monitor, Pawson awarded the penalty.
Replays showed some contact from Dias` knee, but Ramsey seemed to go down quite easily. The home crowd and Pep Guardiola were furious, with the City boss receiving a yellow card for his protests.
Rashford remained unfazed, sending Ortega the wrong way from the spot to score his fourth goal for his temporary club. Despite his inconsistent form, Rashford has often troubled City, proving a thorn in Guardiola`s side once again. This goal was his fifth against City during Guardiola`s nine-year tenure, a tally surpassed only by Mo Salah and Jamie Vardy.
City regrouped and maintained possession, creating several good chances. Marmoush, who has contributed significantly to Villa`s improved season, delivered a cross that deflected off Kevin De Bruyne and landed safely in Martinez`s arms. Nico O`Reilly also crossed from the left, finding the head of Marmoush, but his header went over the bar.
At the other end, Rashford broke free behind the City defence, but Ortega stood firm, blocking his attempt to slot it past him.
Despite winning their last 14 home games against Villa, City found this match a stern test. The home side seemed cautious about pushing too high, wary of Villa`s dangerous counter-attacks.
This threat was evident when former City academy player Morgan Rogers played through Rashford, who rounded Ortega but hit the side-netting.
Marmoush thought he had scored late on, but his celebration was cut short by the offside flag.
`It wasn`t a trip` – Mark Halsey`s view on the penalty
By Mark Halsey
FORMER Premier League referee Mark Halsey shared his opinion on the penalty decision:
“I would not have given a penalty in real time. It was normal contact and a coming together between two players. Pawson was in a great position and also did not see it as a foul. Dias was trying to get out of the way and Ramsey has been clever in winning the pen.”
“The next question is why has VAR got involved? It wasn`t a clear and obvious error. It`s subjective.”
Regarding the Premier League match centre`s explanation that VAR deemed there was a clear trip, Halsey insisted: “It wasn`t a trip. Pawson should have been stronger when he was sent to the monitor and stuck to his original decision.”
On Guardiola`s reaction, Halsey commented: “Guardiola was frustrated and rightly so but he cannot act like that on the touchline. He needs to set an example.”
Villa appeared ready to settle for a point, but City had other plans. Jeremy Doku`s introduction from the bench provided the spark needed.
Deep in added time, Doku drove at the visitors` defence, setting the stage for Nunes to clinch the dramatic winner.
