Arya News - Manchester City 2-1 Aston Villa: Matheus Nunes redeemed his price tag as the hosts took a step towards Champions League football
There was early drama, too, and not merely because Bernardo Silva struck in the seventh minute, finishing from Omar Marmoush’s cutback. If Villa could rue the late goal, they should regret the early one, Emi Martinez only pushing the Portuguese’s shot into the net when he should have saved it.
Yet the breakthrough could have come still sooner. In between, much of the match revolved around a man returning to Manchester. Marcus Rashford scored from the spot, almost made a more explosive impact on his return to his home town by hitting the woodwork inside 20 seconds and, after troubling Paris Saint-Germain last week, posed City problems. His ability to burst in behind their defence and evident sharpness showed what Manchester United have been lacking in their attack.
Rashford levelled from the spot (Getty Images)
Emery had benched Ollie Watkins, despite Saturday’s star turn against Newcastle, to recall Rashford. He promptly struck the post after a pass from Youri Tielemans. His fourth Premier League goal at the Etihad was a coolly converted penalty. There was almost a fifth, Rashford rounding Stefan Ortega in the second half but finding the side netting from an acute angle. “I am so, so happy with him,” said Emery. “He is performing very well.” Rashford had tormented Paris Saint-Germain and troubled City. With a willingness to run in behind their defence, his sharpness was evident on his return to Manchester. The thought occurred that Manchester United could have benefited from such a forward.
Rashford’s goal was more controversial than it needed to be. Ruben Dias clipped Jacob Ramsey in a high-speed collision as they ran in differing directions. Referee Craig Pawson reviewed in on the monitor before awarding the penalty. Guardiola was booked for disputing a correct decision.
The Manchester United loanee sent Stefan Ortega the wrong way (Getty Images)
As two detail obsessives showed their idiosyncrasies on the touchline, he could not hide his irritation while Emery, like a particularly animated mime artist, worked his way through a variety of gestures.
But Guardiola ended up happy. He had benched Doku to start James McAtee, who almost capped the biggest game of his career with a goal, from an audacious lob. He instead unleashed the Belgian as an impact substitute. And this was a result with an impact that should stretch into next season. For a 15th consecutive year, City should be in the Champions League. “Of course it is important,” said Guardiola. “You don’t have to be a scientist to realise.” But the maths are now better for City.