Pep Guardiola lost his 593rd and last match leading Manchester City in a poignant Premier League defeat, with Ollie Watkins netting two goals for Aston Villa.
Guardiola, regarded as one of the greatest managers of his era, announced on Friday that he will leave City after securing 20 trophies over a remarkable ten years in leadership.
His final match began positively as January recruit Antoine Semenyo volleyed in the first goal after a corner was deflected at the near post, with the ex-Bournemouth player increasing his tally to 17 league goals in an outstanding season.
However, Europa League champions Villa and their on-fire striker Watkins spoiled the fun with an excellent performance in the second half.
England defender John Stones, in his final City match, was penalized for a misjudged headed clearance as Watkins tapped in the equalizer just after the interval.
The significance of the moment then resonated with City as leaving captain Bernardo Silva received a guard of honor when taken off by Guardiola, with both individuals in tears as they hugged on the sideline.
Watkins transformed the match at the one-hour point, breaking free and effortlessly slotting it past fellow England player James Trafford.
The goal was first dismissed for offside but was ultimately granted by the video assistant referee since Ruben Dias kept him onside.
Phil Foden believed he had secured a last-minute equalizer for City with a powerful shot off the crossbar, but the goal was disallowed for offside, causing Guardiola to slump back in his chair in frustration.
The outcome indicated that Villa secured their fourth-place position and eliminated any possibility for Bournemouth to qualify for the Champions League.
City players and fans have enjoyed unprecedented success during Guardiola’s time, leading to many tearful moments at Etihad Stadium as the Spaniard concluded his era.
Guardiola has achieved many records in his decade, including the first 100-point total by an English top division club and being the first team to secure the title four consecutive times.
Sunday afternoon offered one last chance to achieve another milestone as Guardiola topped the list for the most matches managed for City, exceeding Les McDowall’s record from 1950 to 1963.
Despite securing victories in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup this season, the team’s title challenge concluded with Tuesday’s draw against Bournemouth, and Villa ended their 15-match unbeaten streak.
Silva and Stones will depart the club when their contracts conclude after noteworthy contributions, and both players received guards of honor when they were substituted during the second half.
Forward Erling Haaland did not feature in the matchday lineup, receiving a break prior to traveling to the World Cup with Norway, but concludes the season with the Premier League’s golden boot after netting 27 goals.
Foden couldn’t deliver a decisive touch, as his goal was ruled out for a tight offside, but the final whistle was still met with the home fans singing to their iconic manager.
Villa had clinched a Champions League position for the next season after their win against Liverpool previously, allowing them to relish their day in the Manchester sunshine after a memorable week.
Unai Emery’s team arrived at the match after securing their first trophy in three decades with a decisive victory over German club Freiburg on Wednesday, a triumph that confirmed the extraordinary change in fortunes since the Spaniard assumed control at Villa Park.
The former Arsenal manager greeted his fellow countryman Guardiola warmly before the match began and observed a dull first half where the heavily altered visitors struggled to find their rhythm.
They equalized right after the restart when Watkins tapped in from close distance, then netted a stunning second goal while managing to stay onside.
The forward, anticipated to serve as a backup to England captain Harry Kane at the World Cup, travels to North America in great shape, netting eight goals in his last 10 league matches.
