Pep Guardiola admitted that his exuberant reaction to Matheus Nunes’s stoppage-time goal against Aston Villa felt unusual, given that Manchester City typically doesn’t score dramatic late goals like some of their Premier League counterparts.

City claimed a crucial 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, with Nunes scoring in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Guardiola’s celebration was one of pure emotion, featuring a fist-pumping dance and a roar, highlighting the importance of the result for City’s Champions League hopes.

The victory was vital, as City were just moments away from a damaging draw that would have hurt their pursuit of a top-five finish. With four games left in their unpredictable season, they now have control over their own fate.

Reflecting on the late goal, Guardiola remarked that City isn’t accustomed to such moments, unlike rivals like Liverpool and Arsenal, who have been known for scoring late winners under Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta.

“We’re not used to it. That’s more of a trait for Liverpool, especially, who have scored late winners countless times under Jurgen (Klopp), and Arsenal as well under Mikel (Arteta),” Guardiola explained. “I’m not used to this, so I’m incredibly happy.”

He continued, “Football is all about emotion. For the players and fans, there’s a lot of pressure on us to secure Champions League qualification, and the players did an amazing job. Now, with four games left, we’re still in the race for qualification.”

The match was dramatic. Villa had earlier equalized through a controversial penalty, awarded after VAR reviewed a challenge by Ruben Dias on Jacob Ramsey. Guardiola was shown a yellow card for his protests against the decision.

Despite the setback, City clinched the win with Nunes’s first league goal for the club, providing a rare positive moment in a season where they had already lost the title they held for four consecutive years.

Guardiola reflected on the tough season, saying, “Football, if you’re in this business, is about managing disappointments. We played well, and in the end, we secured the win.”

“The season hasn’t been easy, but the Premier League is the reality that drives us.”

Villa, meanwhile, now find themselves two points behind the top five, with only four matches remaining. The loss comes after their painful Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.

Villa manager Unai Emery urged his players to move on quickly and focus on their next challenge. “We can’t dwell on it. We lost in the final moments, but we competed well. We were close to drawing,” Emery said.

“Man City controlled much of the game, but we played well. Now, we have to stay focused and maintain our level, demanding more from ourselves.”

“Tomorrow, we rest. On Thursday and Friday, we’ll prepare for the FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace at Wembley.”