Aston Villa’s hopes crushed in the dying seconds by Manchester City’s gamble | OneFootball

Manchester City edged out Aston Villa 2-1 in a match that started with tension and ended in relief. Bernardo Silva got the opener in the 7th minute, and Matheus Nunes closed it in stoppage time. In between, there was controversy over a penalty, both sides applying pressure, and a Champions League title race collision settled by the barest of margins. The win placed City on 61 points and pushed them into third position in the table, leapfrogging direct competitors such as Nottingham Forest (60), Newcastle (59), Chelsea and Villa (both on 57).

A game that mattered

The early goal was beneficial, but it did not bring much peace of mind. Bernardo Silva pounced on Marmoush's low left-wing cross and struck it forcefully. The shot wasn't perfect, but the power overwhelmed Emiliano Martínez. At this point, it looked like City were going to dominate, but Aston Villa had other ideas. Ramsey collapsed in the box in the 18th minute having been in touch with Ruben Dias. The referee waited after a VAR check to point to the spot. Rashford stepped up and scored from the penalty. The remainder of the first half was tight, with both teams trying to force an opening.

City enjoyed most possession but Villa created a danger on the break. Rashford narrowly missed the opener inside 20 seconds and then continued to press after City had equalised. Ortega Moreno twice came to the save with vital stops. Kevin De Bruyne spearheaded the counter on the opposite side. The Belgian was worked hard on corners and set pieces. McAtee also had a good game, though that last ball was still missing. A salvaging finish for one team and

City continued to push in the second half

O'Reilly came close to scoring on a volley that went just short of the post. Villa got their moment as well, Marmoush netted in the back of the net, but it was overturned for offside, confirmed through VAR. The pace slowed in the latter stages of the match, and right up until Doku's entry. He made a run at the defense, overpowered his man, and played a low pass across the box. Matheus Nunes was down the far post and scored in. A 94th-minute score, just as the draw was complete.