Pep Guardiola ended his 593rd and final match in charge of Manchester City with a 2-1 Premier League defeat to Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Ollie Watkins scored twice in the second half to turn the match after Manchester City led through January signing Antoine Semenyo. The result confirmed Villa’s fourth-place finish and ended any remaining hopes of Bournemouth reaching the Champions League spots.
City started with control and took the lead from a corner routine. Semenyo volleyed in after a flick at the near post and moved to 17 league goals for the season. The home side managed possession spells but failed to sustain pressure after the break.
Villa levelled immediately after half-time. John Stones misjudged a headed clearance inside his own box and Watkins reacted first to poke in the equaliser. The momentum shifted sharply as Villa pressed higher and forced errors in midfield.
Watkins completed the turnaround on the hour. He ran clear through the centre and finished past James Trafford. The assistant initially ruled him offside, but VAR overturned the decision after confirming Rúben Dias played him on.
Bernardo Silva received a guard of honour when substituted by Guardiola late on. Both left the pitch in tears as City players and supporters acknowledged his departure alongside the manager’s exit.
Phil Foden believed he had forced a draw in stoppage time with a strike that went in via the crossbar. The referee disallowed the goal for offside and Guardiola reacted on the touchline in frustration.
City also left striker Erling Haaland out of the squad for rest before international duty. He finishes the season with the Premier League Golden Boot on 27 goals.
Guardiola leaves City after 20 trophies in a decade and records that include a 100-point season and four consecutive league titles. The defeat ended a 15-match unbeaten run and closed his longest spell at any club.
