Manchester City’s Matheus Nunes scored deep in damage time to salvage an important 2-1 Premier League victory over Aston Villa on Tuesday of their breathless chase for a Champions League berth subsequent season.
The groups gave the impression to be heading for a draw after Marcus Rashford’s penalty cancelled out Bernardo Silva’s aim within the first half, however Nunes fired dwelling Jeremy Doku’s cross within the 94th minute to raise City two locations to 3rd within the desk on 61 factors.
Pep Guardiola’s males, nevertheless, have performed yet another recreation than the three groups immediately behind them, whereas Villa, who’ve misplaced 15 successive video games on the Etihad Stadium, remained seventh on 57 factors within the crowded prime of the desk.
“We are not used to (scoring late winners), so I’m really, really happy for the goal that we scored at the end, because we are in the last four or five games, and a Champions League contender for qualification,” Guardiola instructed Sky Sports.
City went forward within the seventh minute when Omar Marmoush raced by Villa proper again Matty Cash earlier than chopping the ball again for an onrushing Silva. Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez acquired his gloves on the ball, however not sufficient to cease it from crusing into the again of the online.
Rashford, who had a shot clatter off the submit 18 seconds into the sport, pulled Villa stage from the penalty spot within the 18th minute, after VAR decided Ruben Dias clipped Jacob Ramsey from behind along with his proper leg. Rashford calmly despatched keeper Stefan Ortega the incorrect approach earlier than slotting dwelling.
City had 14 pictures to Villa’s seven earlier than clinching a deserved victory when Doku drove down the left-hand aspect and squared the ball for Nunes arriving on the again submit.
“Very important,” Nunes instructed Sky Sports. “This was a very tough game, very tough opponent, and we came with the mentality that we needed to win this game. And that’s what happened. Perfect timing.”
Nunes introduced delirious City followers to their toes along with his first league aim for the staff with the final shot of the sport. Guardiola vigorously shook two fists in celebration whereas Villa supervisor Unai Emery seemed crestfallen.
“(Villa) are on the run with us to this top five and it was a special game to get the three points,” City’s Dias instructed Sky. “Four video games to go and all of them will likely be massively vital. Important at this time to get the three factors.
“We know how tight it is and how tight it’s going to be until the end. It is a massive step for us.”
City dominated possession with 61.6% and had the higher possibilities, with the very best coming within the second half.
City skipper Kevin De Bruyne despatched a luxurious second-half move to James McAtee, however he hit the ball simply extensive of the far nook. McAtee wasted one other sensible likelihood minutes later when Nico O’Reilly threaded a pinpoint cross to the midfielder however he missed the ball fully from shut vary.
Rashford induced issues for City a number of occasions together with a second-half likelihood when the on-loan Manchester United striker drove ahead with the ball from midfield, but with Ortega out of his aim, he shot into the aspect netting.
“Over 90 minutes (Man City) dominated more, but we played a good competitive match,” Emery mentioned. “Take a lot of positive things and now is a moment to be positive. We can’t waste time now, we have to keep going.”
Source: www.anews.com.tr