Man City boss Pep Guardiola pays ultimate compliment to Aston Villa as stunning Unai Emery point made

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola heaped praise on Aston Villa and Unai Emery after his side’s dramatic 2-1 victory over the Villans on Tuesday night.

It took a last-gasp 94th-minute goal from Matheus Nunes to clinch maximum points for City after Villa made it tricky for the hosts to click into gear consistently at the Etihad Stadium. Emery’s team occasionally sat deep to form a low block but were adventurous in other moments as they sought to cause an upset against the champions.

Given the magnitude of the fixture in the race for Champions League qualification, Villa could have easily parked the bus to try and hold on for the 1-1 draw and a valuable point. Emery decided to go for it with positive substitutions and instructions to take risks, though, and Guardiola respects that mentality.

The City boss paid Villa the ultimate compliment in his post-match press conference, revealing he believes they are among the most talented teams in the world and one of the toughest his side have come up against. The six-time Premier League winner has been impressed by Emery’s front-footed approach and daringness to try and win against the odds.

“You don't have to be scientists to realise that we play against Aston Villa, one of the best teams around,” Guardiola said. “As you saw against Newcastle and PSG, (they are) in top form with the quality and the manager – an extraordinary team.

“But we performed as we did in the past with the commitment. We didn't create much but we controlled the game, the back four again have been amazing, all the players and for qualification for the Champions League of course it is important.

“But sometimes we have to be calm and focus on the semi-final and after we have days to prepare the four finals. Two games at home, two away and game by game.”

Regardless of Guardiola’s praise, the gap between City and Villa is now four points after Tuesday’s result under the lights. The Villans were only point adrift from City before the game kicked off, but that gap has since extended will have to accept there is now one less team they’re likely to leapfrog for a top-five finish.