Manchester City suffered a disappointing defeat in the final game of the 2025/26 Premier League season, losing 2-1 at home to Aston Villa in what marked the last match of Pep Guardiola’s extraordinary reign at the club.

The emotional occasion at the Etihad Stadium was overshadowed by a dramatic second-half turnaround from the visitors. Manchester City initially took control through Antoine Semenyo, who opened the scoring before the break with a composed finish to give Guardiola’s side the perfect start.

However, the momentum shifted completely after half-time as Ollie Watkins once again delivered for Aston Villa. The England striker scored twice in the second half, punishing defensive lapses and securing another statement victory for the reigning UEFA Europa League champions.

Manchester City thought they had rescued a dramatic late equaliser in the closing minutes when Phil Foden found the back of the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside after a VAR review.

The final whistle brought the end of a historic era at Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola officially stepping down from his role as head coach. The legendary Spaniard is expected to remain connected to the club in a new position as a global ambassador.

2025-26, England - Premier League

Manchester City - Aston Villa 1:2 (1:0)
Goals: Semenyo, 23 (1:0); Watkins, 47 (1:1); Watkins, 61 (1:2)

Manchester City: Trafford; Dias R.; Stones (Gvardiol, 78); Ake (Aït-Nouri, 77); Lewis R.; Reijnders (Doku J., 77); Nico González; Bernardo Silva (Kovacic M., 59); Foden; Sávio Moreira; Semenyo (Cherki, 58)
Substitution: Cherki (from 58); Kovacic M. (from 59); Aït-Nouri (from 77); Doku J. (from 77); Gvardiol (from 78)
Bench: Bettinelli; Alleyne; Matheus Nunes; Marmoush
Yellow Cards: Lewis R. 82

Aston Villa: Bizot; Lindelöf (Torres Pau, 73); Mings; Maatsen I.; Barkley (McGinn J., 86); Watkins; Douglas Luiz (Tielemans, 73); Bogarde L. (Onana A., 73); Buendia; Andrés García (Cash, 46); Bailey
Substitution: Cash (from 46); Torres Pau (from 73); Onana A. (from 73); Tielemans (from 73); McGinn J. (from 86)
Bench: Wright J.; Digne; Hemmings; Burrows Br.