Nunes' stunning stoppage-time winner gives Guardiola victory and fires City up to third in the Champions League race

EVEN in title deciders, even in Champions League finals, it is hard to recall Pep Guardiola losing as much control as he did during a game only about minor Premier League placings.

- BY ANDY DUNN

Of course, qualification for the Champions League is important on several levels, not least financially, but it is now a matter of fierce personal pride for Guardiola.

And that is why he went into utter delirium when Matheus Nunes met Jeremy Doku’s cross to score a dramatic winner in added time.

That is why he has never interacted with the crowd as much as he did during this match.

That is why he will be congratulating himself for sending on Doku, whose contribution might have gone a long way towards securing Champions League football for City next season.

It will be especially satisfying as, for a good while, Villa looked just as likely a bet for a Champions League spot, even though they only had a Marcus Rashford penalty to show for their efforts.

It was a penalty award that particularly incensed Guardiola (left).