Pep Guardiola and Bernardo Silva embrace in their final match for Man City (Image credit: Phil Noble / Reuters)


Pep Guardiola’s final match in charge of Manchester City ended on a disappointing note, as Aston Villa claimed a 2-1 victory to spoil the farewell occasion.

With the Premier League title already secured by Arsenal, the encounter at the Etihad had little bearing on silverware, instead serving as a send-off for Guardiola alongside long-serving players John Stones and Bernardo Silva.

City started brightly, and it was Silva who had the first clear opening after linking up with Savinho, but his effort was well handled by Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot.

The hosts soon found their breakthrough midway through the first half. From a corner delivered by Tijjani Reijnders, Antoine Semenyo rose unmarked at the far post to slot home and give City the lead.

Savinho remained a constant threat and nearly doubled the advantage shortly after, watching as a deflected attempt narrowly drifted wide. He was involved again moments later, reacting quickest to a loose ball following a Phil Foden strike, only to be denied by a sharp save from Bizot.

Despite making several changes following their midweek European success, Villa stayed within touching distance at the break. Any expectations of fatigue quickly disappeared after the restart when Ollie Watkins capitalised on a defensive lapse to fire home the equaliser.

Silva’s hopes of a memorable farewell goal faded as he was substituted just before the hour mark to a warm reception from the home supporters. But the mood soon shifted further in Villa’s favour.

Watkins struck again, this time finishing clinically after being played through by Ross Barkley, placing his effort neatly into the bottom corner to complete the turnaround.

Rather than sit back, Villa continued to push forward and nearly extended their lead when Leon Bailey rattled the post with a powerful strike.

City pressed late in search of an equaliser to give Guardiola a fitting send-off. Phil Foden thought he had delivered in stoppage time, but celebrations were cut short as VAR ruled the goal out for offside in the build-up.

The final whistle confirmed defeat for City, bringing an underwhelming close to a hugely successful era under Guardiola. For Villa, however, the victory capped what has been one of the most remarkable campaigns in the club’s modern history.

Can you guess which club Guardiola may go?