Manchester City boosted their hopes of securing a Champions League place as Matheus Nunes scored a last-gasp winner to snatch a 2-1 victory against Aston Villa in the Premier League.
The match began with a bang as Marcus Rashford hit the post just 17 seconds in, before Bernardo Silva gave Man City the lead inside 10 minutes, only for Rashford to swiftly equalise for Aston Villa after VAR persuaded the referee to award a penalty for a foul on Jacob Ramsey, and the scores would remain level at 1-1 heading into the break.
Man City dominated the second half as they searched for a winner, but the Citizens were frustratingly unable to capitalise on their control until the dying seconds, when Matheus Nunes slotted home from Jeremy Doku's superb assist to secure all three points in dramatic fashion.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Man City may be regretting allowing Julian Alvarez to leave in the summer, as their lack of a recognised number nine in the absence of the injured Erling Haaland was a clear issue this evening.
Despite creating a mass of superb opportunities, the likes of James McAtee and Omar Marmoush were unable to take advantage, meaning they had to wait until the final seconds for the unlikely source of Nunes to score the crucial winner.
Another regret of Man City's will be the upcoming departure of Kevin De Bruyne, who was back to his creative best tonight and was unfortunate not to grab several assists.
Ultimately, the victory is all that matters for Manchester City, who secured a vital three points against fellow Champions League contenders Aston Villa, a side that were at far from their best this evening.
MANCHESTER CITY VS. ASTON VILLA HIGHLIGHTS
Bernardo Silva goal vs. Aston Villa (7th min, Manchester City 1-0 Aston Villa)
Manchester City have a crucial lead, Silva the provider!
Ruben Dias clips the ball out wide to Omar Marmoush, who takes a touch and races past Matty Cash towards the by line, and the Egyptian's cross is fired across goal and deflected to the feet of Silva.
Silva's strike should be saved by Emi Martinez, but the goalkeeper fails to get enough on the ball, pushing it into the right corner - a goal that will leave the goalkeeper extremely disappointed.
Marcus Rashford goal vs. Manchester City (18th min, Manchester City 1-1 Aston Villa)
Well the lead did not last long, Rashford equalises from the spot!
Villa are protesting after Ramsey appeared to be brought down inside the area by Dias, and VAR has eventually got involved to award the visitors with a spot kick, much to the anger of the home fans.
Marcus Rashford steps up for the Villans, brilliantly converting into the bottom right corner to draw the visitors level just over 10 minutes after falling behind.
Matheus Nunes goal vs. Aston Villa (94th min, Manchester City 2-1 Aston Villa)
Unbelievable! Nunes has won it at the death!
Doku flies past Axel Disasi on the left wing and cuts into the box, delivering an outstanding outside-of-the-boot cross towards the back post.
The ball travels across the goalmouth and finds Nunes at the back post, and the midfielder-turned-defender brilliantly converts to score a last-gasp winner.
MAN OF THE MATCH - KEVIN DE BRUYNE
Manchester City may regret letting the Belgian leave on a free at the end of the season after tonight's performance, as De Bruyne rolled back the years in a creative masterclass.
The Belgian created a massive six chances throughout his 89 minutes on the pitch - the most of any player across the two sides - while also boasting an impressive 85% pass accuracy.
Nunes also deserves a mention for his last-gasp winner, showcasing real desire and quality to grab a crucial three points in the ongoing race for the Champions League places.
MANCHESTER CITY VS. ASTON VILLA MATCH STATS
Possession: Manchester City 62%-38% Aston Villa
Shots: Manchester City 14-7 Aston Villa
Shots on target: Manchester City 6-3 Aston Villa
Corners: Manchester City 10-2 Aston Villa
Fouls: Manchester City 9-10 Aston Villa
BEST STATS
WHAT NEXT?
Man City's win means they are now third in the standings, while Aston Villa remain seventh in the Premier League table, though both sides have now played a game more than the other Champions League contenders.
While their aims for a Champions League place remains a priority, these two sides will now shift focus to their respective FA Cup semi-finals, with Man City facing Nottingham Forest on Sunday and Aston Villa taking on Crystal Palace on Saturday.
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