They might have been in a deep crisis, but their champion spirit is still alive! Man City and Aston Villa were level until the dying minutes, but Pep Guardiola’s super sub, Jeremy Doku, ran riots over the left flank, finding Matheus Nunes, who became the utmost hero, bringing the Cityzens three points – 2-1.The first two goals were scored in the opening 18 minutes, as Bernardo Silva broke the deadlock in the seventh minute, while Marcus Rashford equalized from the spot 11 minutes later.Both managers chased the whole spoils, but in the end, the home team’s winning mentality and experience prevailed, while the Villans suffered a massive blow in their race for the TOP 5 and Champions League spot.⚽️ GOAL: Matheus Nunes🏴 Manchester City 2-1 Aston Villapic.twitter.com/8KORXC26ik— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) April 22, 2025 Although many would think this extremely important clash for both sides would begin nervously, the Cityzens dissuaded everyone after only seven minutes when Bernardo Silva opened the scoring!Omar Marmoush assisted after a great solo effort, while the Portuguese used poor reactions of both Villa’s defence and the keeper Emiliano Martinez to score his third Premier League goal of the season.⚽️ GOAL: Bernardo Silva🏴 Manchester City 1-0 Aston Villapic.twitter.com/qkzC6KV5WH— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) April 22, 2025 However, Unai Emery’s crew got a chance to bounce back shortly, as the home team was rewarded a penalty just 11 minutes later. Despite Pep Guardiola’s fierce protests, the VAR room characterized Ruben Dias’ tackle on Jacob Ramsey as a clear foul and the ref Craig Pawson pointed to the spot.🚨🏴 GOAL | Manchester City 1-1 Aston Villa | RashfordRASHFORD HAS EQUALIZED FOR ASTON VILLA !!!!!pic.twitter.com/asEYIjUPtI— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) April 22, 2025 Marcus Rashford was calm, sending the penalty home, and scored against the Cityzens for the first time after more than two years.Man United loanee and Kevin De Bruyne had decent attempts by the end of the first period, but the rivals remained level at the break.If Vinicius leaves, Haaland arrivesAfter a quarter of an hour of City’s second-half dominance, the young James McAtee was close to giving his team another lead, but his attempt to lob Martinez went narrowly wide of the left post. Minutes later, Rashford dribbled past Stefan Ortega, but went too wide, missing the target.In the final 15 minutes, both managers opted to chase the entire spoils, as Guardiola subbed in Jeremy Doku for McAtee, while Emery replaced Rashford and Amadou Onana with two forwards – Ollie Watkins and Marco Asensio.And when both teams attack, one has to score – this time it was Man City! Doku made a terrific solo run and finding Matheus Nunes, who netted from close range for his team’s crucial victory.PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 34TuesdayMan.City – Aston Villa 2-1 (1-1)/Silva 7, Nunes 90+4 – Rashford 18 pen/Wednesday22:00: (1.42) Arsenal (4.40) Crystal Palace (8.00)Saturday14:30: (1.63) Chelsea (3.80) Everton (5.70)17:00: (1.67) Brighton (4.20) West Ham (5.00)17:00: (1.20) Newcastle (6.75) Ipswich (14.0)17:00: (5.00) Southampton (4.20) Fulham (1.65)17:00: (1.62) Wolverhampton (3.80) Leicester (5.80)SundaySun 16:00: (1.70) Bournemouth (4.20) Man.Utd. (4.70)Sun 18:30: (1.30) Liverpool (5.90) Tottenham (9.00)***odds are subject to change***
