Manchester City edged past top-four rivals Aston Villa with a dramatic 2-1 win to kick off Matchweek 34 of the Premier League, moving Pep Guardiola’s side back into third place—at least for now.

It wasn’t a dominant display by the reigning champions, but what they lacked in control, they made up for in clinical finishing. City made the most of their limited chances, converting with ruthless efficiency—and it all came down to the wire.

With the match deadlocked at 1-1 heading into stoppage time, it was Matheus Nunes who delivered the knockout blow, finding the net in the 94th minute to send the Etihad Stadium into raptures.

The first half saw both sides get on the scoresheet. Bernardo Silva opened the scoring for City, but Marcus Rashford responded for Villa from the penalty spot, keeping the visitors well in the contest.

This crucial win lifts Manchester City to third in the table, although their position remains under threat from both Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United, who are still to play in this round.

2024-25, England - Premier League

Manchester City - Aston Villa 2:1 (1:1)
Goals: Bernardo Silva, 7 (1:0); Rashford, 18 (penalty) (1:1); Matheus Nunes, 90 (2:1)

Manchester City: Ortega S.; Dias R.; Gvardiol; Kovacic M.; De Bruyne (Akanji, 90); Gundogan; Bernardo Silva; Matheus Nunes; Mcatee (Doku J., 74); O'Reilly; Marmoush
Bench: Carson; Lewis R.; Khusanov; Grealish; Nico González; Foden; Sávio Moreira
Yellow Cards: Gvardiol 70; Matheus Nunes 77; Bernardo Silva 85

Aston Villa: Martinez E.; Konsa; Digne; Torres Pau; Onana A. (Asensio, 76); Kamara B.; Cash (Disasi, 61); Tielemans; Ramsey J. (McGinn J., 61); Rashford (Watkins, 76); Rogers M. (Malen, 86)
Bench: Olsen R.; Maatsen I.; Barkley; Robledo
Yellow Cards: Digne 35; Rogers M. 50; Watkins 85