by There are infamous examples of Pep Guardiola’s preference for exaggeration. Since he branded Matheus Nunes as one of the best players in the world, in 2022 and when the Portuguese played for Sporting CP, there have been precious evidence of this statement. Recently and damn again Guardiola said that his midfielder of 50 million pounds was not smart enough to play in the middle for Manchester City.
But as a provisional right -back, Nunes may have become a waste of money to a man who deserves the city of the Champions League millions. He had set up Nico O’Reily’s late start against Everton on Saturday. He even achieved City’s later winner against Aston Villa, a discount of 94 minute, a lead of four points ahead of the rivals for a top five-finish. The athletics, which Guardiola makes to use Nunes as a full -back, was obvious when he put into the penalty area to convert Jeremy Dokus low cross. “Matheus has physicality when he has to run, he can do it,” said Guardiola. The popularity of nunes in the changing room was not the only reason why the celebrations were so emphatic. This could decide about their fate.
It will not be proven here that City celebrated the 94th minute that was celebrated the most. Not if Sergio Aguero’s title decision against QPR is taken into account. In fact, her favorite winner against Villa, given Ilkay Gundogan’s heroicism in 2022, is not yet. And yet the meaning could hardly be underestimated. “Perfect timing,” said Nunes. Not for villa, so close to a first point in Etihad since 2007. The fear of Unai Emery told a story; So also the relief of Guardiola, which had cut through a frustrated figure all night. “The season was really bad,” he said. “We have a lot of pressure for the club to go to the Champions League.”
The pressure was relieved, supported by one of its decisions. He had Phil Foden on the bench when he attached a documentary to run in Axel Disasi and Nunes from Villa’s replacement for the right -back. “Jeremy always gives you something,” rationalized Guardiola. “Jeremy is the best player in the world in the first five meters.”
Again he had called one of his recruits of 2023 to the best on the planet. The recruitment of the city after winning the farms seemed to be anything but ideal for a long time and looked a reason for its regression. But two of the men signed together two years ago. Doku and Nunes amounted to more than 100 million GBP. They redesigned the race for the last three Champions League places and sent City third place and the villa held seventh place. With four games and similar runs-ins, it will now be difficult for you to revise the city now. And yet her 15th defeat in a row came in the Etihad Stadium when her manager had at the goal of getting a winner. “I would not have been satisfied with one point,” said Emery, who didn’t end with anyone and had the feeling that his own reimbursement of attack contributed to the late drama.
There was also an early drama, and not only because Bernardo Silva came to the seventh minute to conclude Omar Marmoush’s cut. If the villa could set the late gate, you should regret the early, Emi Martinez only presses the shot of Portuguese on the net if he should save it.
But the breakthrough could have been silent in the past. In between, a large part of the game revolved around a man who returned to Manchester. Marcus Rashford scored from the position, had an almost more explosive impact on his return to his hometown by hit the woodwork within 20 seconds and, after worrying Paris Saint-Germain last week, had urban problems. His ability to break behind her defense and obvious sharpness showed what Manchester United was missing in her attack.
Emery had anchored Ollie Watkins on Rashford despite the Star Turn against Newcastle on Saturday. He immediately hit the position after a pass from Youri Tielemans. His fourth Premier League goal in the Etihad was a cool converted penalty. There was almost a fifth, Rashford rounded off Stefan Ortega in the second half, the side network found an acute angle. “I’m so happy with him,” said Emery. “He plays very well.” Rashford had tortured Paris Saint-Germain and restless city. With the willingness to run behind her defense, his sharpness was obvious when he returned to Manchester. The thought came that Manchester United could have benefited from such a striker.
Rashford’s goal was more controversial than it had to be. Ruben Dias switched Jacob Ramsey into a high -speed collision when she ran in different directions. Referee Craig Pawson checked the monitor before giving the punishment. Guardiola was booked to make a correct decision.
When two details showed their peculiarities on the touchline, he could not hide his irritation, while Emery, like a particularly animated mime artist, worked through a variety of gestures.
But Guardiola became happy. He had launched Doku to start James Mcateee, who almost met the greatest game of his career with a goal, from a bold praise. Instead, he triggered the Belgian as an impact replacement. And this was a result with an effect that was supposed to extend in the next season. For a 15th year in a row, the city should be in the Champions League. “Of course it is important,” said Guardiola. “You don’t have to be a scientist to realize.” But mathematics are now better for the city.
