Guardiola loses last game as City boss

Manchester City 1 - 2 Aston Villa

Pep Guardiola's 593rd and final game in charge of Manchester City ended in an emotional Premier League defeat as Ollie Watkins scored twice for Aston Villa.

Author | Macca

Stadium | Etihad Stadium

Guardiola, who will be remembered as one of the defining managers of his generation, confirmed on Friday he would step down at City after collecting 20 trophies during a remarkable decade at the club.

His final match began brightly as January signing Antoine Semenyo volleyed home the opener after a corner was flicked on at the near post, with the former Bournemouth forward taking his tally to 17 league goals in an outstanding campaign.

But Europa League winners Villa, inspired by the in-form Watkins, responded superbly after the interval.

England defender John Stones, making his final City appearance, was punished for a poor headed clearance as Watkins prodded in the equaliser moments after the restart.

The significance of the occasion was made very clear

Departing captain Bernardo Silva received a guard of honour when substituted by Guardiola, with both men visibly emotional as they embraced on the touchline.

Emotional scenes at Etihad Stadium yesterdaypic.twitter.com/pH5J1P0Lh8

— European Super Football (@ESFootballNews) May 25, 2026

Watkins completed the turnaround on the hour mark, racing through before calmly finishing past England team-mate James Trafford.

The goal was initially ruled out for offside but was awarded after a VAR review showed Ruben Dias had played him on.

Phil Foden thought he had rescued a dramatic late equaliser for City with a fierce finish that cannoned in off the crossbar, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside, leaving Guardiola slumped back in his seat in frustration.

The result confirmed Villa's fourth-place finish and ended any lingering hopes Bournemouth had of qualifying for the Champions League.