Villa Ruin Guardiola’s Final Game in charge of Man City

Pep Guardiola signed off from Manchester City with a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa after confirming on Friday that he will leave the club following a trophy-filled 10-year spell.

City made a bright start as January signing Antoine Semenyo volleyed home after a flick-on from a corner, taking his league tally to 17 goals this season.

However, Europa League winners Villa turned the game around in the second half through Ollie Watkins.Defender John Stones, making his final appearance for City, was punished for a poor headed clearance as Watkins equalised moments after the restart.

An emotional atmosphere filled the Etihad when departing captain Bernardo Silva received a guard of honour after being substituted, with both Silva and Guardiola in tears during their embrace on the touchline.

Watkins then completed the comeback just after the hour mark, calmly finishing after racing through on goal. The strike was initially ruled out for offside before VAR confirmed Ruben Dias had played him onside.

Phil Foden thought he had earned City a late equaliser with a powerful finish off the crossbar, but the goal was disallowed for offside, leaving Guardiola disappointed on the bench.

The victory secured Villa a fourth-place finish and ended Bournemouth’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.

Emotional Farewell for GuardiolaGuardiola leaves City after winning 20 trophies and breaking several records, including becoming the first manager to lead an English top-flight side to 100 points and four straight league titles.Sunday’s match also saw him surpass Les McDowall as the manager with the most games in charge of City.

Despite winning the FA Cup and Carabao Cup this season, City’s title hopes ended earlier in the week after a draw against Bournemouth, while Villa halted their 15-match unbeaten run.

Both Silva and Stones were honoured by teammates and fans as they prepared to leave the club at the end of their contracts.Meanwhile, Erling Haaland missed the match to rest before the World Cup but still finished the season as the Premier League’s top scorer with 27 goals.

Watkins Shines Ahead of World CupVilla had already secured Champions League football after beating Liverpool in their previous match and arrived in Manchester fresh from winning their first trophy in 30 years after defeating Freiburg in the Europa League final.

Manager Unai Emery watched his side struggle in the opening half before they responded strongly after the break.

Watkins continued his impressive form by scoring twice, taking his tally to eight goals in his last 10 league matches as he heads to the World Cup in top shape.