Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City farewell dampened by defeat to Aston Villa

By Andy Hampson, Press Association

Pep Guardiola was unable to sign off with one last victory as his glorious Manchester City reign ended in defeat to Aston Villa.

Ollie Watkins scored twice as Villa came from behind to win 2-1 on a sweltering and emotional afternoon at the Etihad Stadium.

Antoine Semenyo had put City ahead with his 11th goal since his January move from Bournemouth but the occasion was more about farewells than events on the pitch.

The Pep Guardiola Stand 🏟️🤩 pic.twitter.com/iHhkW2T24N

— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 24, 2026

After 10 years and 20 trophies, Guardiola was taking charge of City for the 593rd and final time.

Two mainstays of his glittering reign, Bernardo Silva and John Stones, were also making their last appearances for the club.

When news of Guardiola’s departure leaked earlier in the week, City were still in contention for what would have been a seventh Premier League title under the Spaniard.

Hopes he might sign off with yet more silverware ended when his side were held to a draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday, but supporters remained in buoyant mood as they marked the end of an era.

With the newly-expanded and renamed Pep Guardiola Stand fully open for the first time, the City fans among the stadium-record 60,332 crowd chanted for “10 more years” after the game got under way.

The displaying of the two cups won this season and the introductions afforded to Stones and Silva enhanced the atmosphere.

Prior to kick-off Guardiola was presented with a gift by opposite number Unai Emery, who had been celebrating this week himself after guiding Villa to Europa League glory.

The game itself was underwhelming by comparison, at least initially, with a distinct ‘dead rubber’ feel.

Guardiola gave Erling Haaland, Rodri, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Nico O’Reilly and Marc Guehi the afternoon off while Nathan Ake, Rico Lewis and James Trafford – who have question marks over their futures – all featured.

Villa also made wholesale changes with Watkins one of only three from the side that secured their first trophy in 30 years against Freiburg starting.

Two club legends 🩵 pic.twitter.com/Tiya1bR6Ln

— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 24, 2026

City controlled the first half and went close through Savinho and Tijjani Reijnders before Semenyo volleyed them ahead in the 23rd minute.

Reijnders forced a good save from Marco Bizot before the break after linking well with Foden, who perhaps had a point to prove after his England omission.

Villa levelled in the 47th minute when Watkins marked his World Cup call-up by pouncing on a poor Stones header following a corner.

The second half was punctuated twice by guards of honour from players of both teams as first Silva and then Stones were substituted.

Both left the field in tears and it was Villa who took the initiative.

Oliver George Arthur Watkins 👑 pic.twitter.com/Q9ZKi5EPXf

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 24, 2026

Watkins added his second when he jinked his way through the area and calmly stroked the ball past Trafford before Leon Bailey smashed a shot against a post.

Foden thought he had scored a late equaliser when he rattled in a shot off the crossbar but it was ruled out in a tight VAR call.

Jeremy Doku also went close but, while the game could not be salvaged, the party was not spoiled as Guardiola’s extraordinary legacy was celebrated.