- Antoine Semenyo opened the scoring for Manchester City
- Ollie Watkins struck twice after the break for Aston Villa
- Pep Guardiola, Bernardo Silva and John Stones made emotional farewells
Here are the Manchester City player ratings vs Aston Villa as Pep Guardiola’s side suffered a 2-1 defeat in his final game in charge.
Manchester City player ratings vs Aston Villa
James Trafford – 5.5
Made two saves, but the decisive moment went against him. When Ollie Watkins broke through for Villa’s second goal, Trafford came out to narrow the angle but allowed the finish to go through his legs. He was not solely responsible for City being opened up, although he will feel he could have done better.
Rico Lewis – 6
Saw plenty of the ball as City looked to build from the back, but did not offer enough of a decisive threat on the right. He also picked up the Sky Blues’ only booking in the 82nd minute as frustration started to creep in during the closing stages of Guardiola’s final game.
John Stones – 6
Stones was relatively untroubled during the opening period, but City’s back line struggled with Watkins after half-time, particularly once Villa began attacking the spaces in transition. Likewise, he was replaced by Josko Gvardiol late on, bringing his final Etihad appearance for the club to an emotional conclusion.
Ruben Dias – 6
One of City’s main distributors from the back as Guardiola’s side tried to control the game through possession. However, the Portuguese defender was part of a back line that failed to deal with Watkins after half-time, with Villa’s striker scoring twice from just three shots.
Nathan Ake – 6
Had a comfortable enough first half as Man City restricted Villa, but the defensive picture changed completely after the break. Watkins scored twice as the visitors exploited the space available when City lost their structure. Likewise, Ake was taken off for Rayan Ait-Nouri as Guardiola looked for more attacking momentum.
Nico Gonzalez – 7
Probably the Citizens’ most reliable midfielder after Silva left the pitch. He also created an opportunity for Rayan Cherki shortly after the Frenchman came on. Likewise, Gonzalez helped the hosts maintain pressure, but could not produce the final pass needed to rescue the game.
Bernardo Silva – 7
A typically composed final appearance in a City shirt. Wearing the armband, Bernardo helped his side control much of the first half before Villa equalised shortly after the interval. He was given a guard of honour and a standing ovation when replaced by Mateo Kovacic in the 59th minute. Watkins’ second goal arrived after he had left the pitch.
Tijjani Reijnders – 6.5
Saw plenty of the ball as City pushed forward, but could not provide the decisive final third contribution Guardiola needed after Villa turned the match around. The hosts produced pressure and reached dangerous areas regularly, although their chance quality remained limited before Reijnders was replaced by Jeremy Doku.
Phil Foden – 7.5
City’s biggest creative threat despite starting as the central attacker. Foden produced key passes while creating enough pressure for multiple shots. However, the hosts could not turn their late dominance into a legitimate equaliser.
Savinho – 6.5
A frustrating performance because he was involved without having the final say. The Brazilian took shots and made key passes while neither effort tested Marco Bizot. The FA Cup winners needed more cutting edge from him as they pushed for a late equaliser.
Antoine Semenyo – 7.5
Man City’s most decisive attacker on the day. Scored the opener in the 23rd minute to give Guardiola’s side control of the occasion, continuing his excellent end to the season. He was replaced by Rayan Cherki shortly after Villa’s equaliser, with City searching for a different attacking spark.
Subs
Mateo Kovacic – 6
Came on for Silva in the 59th minute, with the game still level at 1-1. However, City conceded Watkins’ second goal only two minutes later, and Kovacic was unable to help his side regain the control they had shown before half-time.
Rayan Cherki – 6
Replaced Semenyo in the 58th minute as Guardiola looked for more invention in the final third. He received the ball from Nico ten minutes later and tried his luck from outside the box, but dragged his effort wide. The Carabao Cup winners needed him to change the rhythm of the attack, but Villa largely kept the Frenchman quiet.
Jeremy Doku – N/A
Replaced Reijnders in the 77th minute to give City more direct running on the wing. Too late in the game for a proper rating.
Rayan Ait-Nouri – N/A
Introduced for Ake in the 77th minute as City pushed for an equaliser. Did not have enough time to make a meaningful impact.
Josko Gvardiol – N/A
Came on for Stones in the 78th minute during the final push for an equaliser. Not on the pitch long enough to be rated properly.
