Manchester City took a big step toward securing Champions League qualification with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.
In a tense and evenly contested fixture, City appeared destined to share the points after Marcus Rashford’s first-half penalty cancelled out an early opener from Bernardo Silva. However, Nunes found the net in the 94th minute, converting Jeremy Doku’s low cross at the far post to earn his side a crucial win in their pursuit of a top-four finish.
The result lifts Pep Guardiola’s men into third place in the Premier League on 61 points, although they have played one more match than the three teams immediately behind them. Aston Villa, meanwhile, remain seventh on 57 points, continuing their prolonged struggles at the Etihad, where they have now lost 15 consecutive league fixtures.
“We are not used to scoring late winners, so I am extremely pleased with the timing and significance of the goal,” Guardiola said following the match. “With only a handful of games remaining, every point is critical in our quest for Champions League qualification.”
City took the lead in the seventh minute when Omar Marmoush broke down the right flank and squared the ball to Silva, whose shot deflected off Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez before finding the back of the net.
Villa responded swiftly. In the 18th minute, Rashford calmly converted from the penalty spot after a VAR review determined that Rúben Dias had fouled Jacob Ramsey in the area.
City controlled much of the match, enjoying 61.6 percent possession and registering 14 shots to Villa’s seven. They continued to threaten throughout the second half, with Kevin De Bruyne orchestrating play and James McAtee missing two clear opportunities to restore the lead.
Rashford remained a constant threat on the counter-attack, nearly scoring again after a surging run through City’s midfield, but fired into the side netting with Stefan Ortega off his line.
It was ultimately left to substitute Nunes to provide the decisive moment. His first league goal for City sparked jubilant celebrations from players and supporters alike, while Villa manager Unai Emery could only watch in frustration.
“City had more control over the 90 minutes, but I am proud of how we competed,” Emery reflected. “We must remain positive and focused—there is still much to play for.”
With only four matches remaining, the race for Champions League places remains fiercely competitive. Manchester City’s victory, while vital, is far from conclusive. As Ruben Dias aptly stated: “Every game now is massive. We have to keep pushing.”
