It looked for a long time like it would end 1-1 in the meeting between two teams that both are chasing play in the Champions League next season.
Then City came in a final attack in front of the home crowd. Substitute Jérémy Doku played in from the left, the ball cut through the penalty area and at the far post met Nunes.
2-1 – and the significance of the goal could not be missed. City coach Pep Guardiola wildly celebrated on the sidelines.
City had the lead earlier in the match as well, after Bernardo Silva made it 1-0 in the seventh minute. Aston Villa's equalizer came on a penalty in the 18th minute, through Marcus Rashford who had hit the post already after 17 seconds.
The English clubs' progress in European football means that the Premier League will next season be able to send five teams to the Champions League.
Manchester City climbs with the win up to third place, but both Nottingham and Newcastle are hot on their heels and have a match in hand on City.
Aston Villa remains in seventh place.
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Liverpool, 33 matches, 79 points.
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Arsenal, 33 matches, 66 points.
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Manchester City, 34 matches, 61 points.
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Nottingham, 33 matches, 60 points.
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Newcastle, 33 matches, 59 points.
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Chelsea, 33 matches, 57 points.
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Aston Villa, 34 matches, 57 points.
