Man City’s stunning comeback, lift Premier League title
London: Manchester City staged a stunning late comeback with three goals in five minutes to beat Aston Villa 3-2 and win the Premier League as their title chances looked to be slipping away amid dramatic scenes at Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s side needed victory to secure their fourth title in five seasons but were facing the prospect of ending the season empty-handed as goals either side of the interval from Matty Cash and Philippe Coutinho put Villa 2-0 ahead and in control.
It looked as if Villa manager Steven Gerrard might help his former club Liverpool secure the titleuntil City turned the game on its head in an atmosphere bordering on hysteria.
Ilkay Gundogan, on as a substitute for Bernardo Silva, gave City hope with a far-post header in the 76th minute, and Etihad Stadium was a wall of noise when Rodri drove a low finish past Villa keeper Robin Olsen two minutes later.
The title-winning recovery was complete with nine minutes left as Gundogan once again arrived at the far post to put City in front, the decisive contribution on this nerve-shredding final day.
Game changer
“The moment we found a goal it changed everything,” Guardiola told Sky Sports.
“We are playing in not normal circumstances but you have to handle it.
“Gundogan is the best inside runner we have. We were arriving down the sides and we needed a player with the sense of tempo in the box and he’s the best.
“We are legends. When you win the Premier League four times in five seasons it’s because these guys are so, so special. We will be remembered. “The first title we won with lots of margin, then at Brighton, then winning at home without fans and now with people, it’s the best.
“The magnitude of your achievement is defined by the magnitude of your rival. I’ve never seen a team like Liverpool.
“I know it’s tough but a huge congratulations to them. They help us to be a better team.”