Summary

  • Guzan mistake lets in Aguero for opener

  • Kolarov nets free-kick, Cleverley replies from 20 yards

  • Sanchez equalises with hooked volley

  • Fernandinho restores City's lead

  1. Postpublished at 20:05 British Summer Time 25 April 2015

    Right, that is us for now.

    All today's reports - including Watford's rise to the Premier League - are on the BBC Football pages for you.

    You are bound to have missed something. Get stuck in.

  2. Postpublished at 20:01 British Summer Time 25 April 2015

    Christian BentekeImage source, Getty Images

    Even when he doesn't score, Christian Benteke unsettles an opposition defence to create chance for others.

    The Belgian had 15 aerial duels - City's Martin Demichelis with 10 was the only other player on either side who got even close - and won 73% of them.

    Three shots, one on target and tireless work-rate.

    There are not many, or any perhaps, better lone frontmen in the Premier League.

  3. Player reactionpublished at 19:50 British Summer Time 25 April 2015

    Tom CleverleyImage source, PA

    Aston Villa Tom Cleverley: "I'm devastated. I thought the way we played deserved something today. I thought for much of the game we were the better side, but we were just a bit sloppy at times. We can take confidence from it and hopefully we can do the job next week.

    "We can't let our heads drop. If we keep performing like we have against Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham in the last three games, we'll be alright."

  4. Manager reactionpublished at 19:44 British Summer Time 25 April 2015

    Man City

    Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini: "Today we didn't play as well, but we had the spirit and fight to win in the last five minutes despite their late equaliser.

    "The results are always more important than the performances, but I think that we normally play well, today we showed the spirit and the belief that perhaps we have not had in other games when we have had more possession.

    "I was not satisfied with the way we played today, but sometimes you need different things to win games.

    On the late offside decision against Christian Benteke: "I think that we had two offside ourselves that were wrong. "

  5. Postpublished at 19:40 British Summer Time 25 April 2015

    And here is the man himself. Manuel Pellegrini, silver mane looking very bouffant, is out to face the media.

  6. Votepublished at 19:39 British Summer Time 25 April 2015

    Earlier, we asked you if Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini would still be in charge at the Etihad Stadium next season. The results are in... and 70% of you said no. Yes? Just 30% of you. Thanks for voting.

  7. Join the debate at #bbcfootballpublished at 19:39 British Summer Time 25 April 2015

    Nick Harris:, external Nath B, had Guzan not made that howler we should have won that game. Never deserved to lose. Given to come in next game

    Luke:, external City are a poor team, poor support and a deluded board. Why increase capacity when even cheap tickets cant fill a the stadium

    Doron Klemer:, external Someone please remind linesmen that 'benefit of the doubt' goes to the attacker? Onside decisions should never be given offside

  8. Manager reactionpublished at 19:38 British Summer Time 25 April 2015

    Aston Villa

    Aston Villa's Tim Sherwood speaking to BBC Sport: "I thought we controlled the game and there were lots of positives, but no points to take from it.

    "I could see from where I was that Christian Benteke was onside and I think it was a penalty and a red card for Joe Hart.

    "After a poor start, the team continued to believe we could play through midfield. I was satisfied with the performance but I can't be satisfied with the decisions that cost us points here.

    "I thought that we outplayed them. You think we can get relegated playing like that? You are having a laugh aren't you?"

  9. Postpublished at 19:33 British Summer Time 25 April 2015

    Here comes Tim Sherwood, standing to attention for the television cameras...

  10. Text us on 81111published at 19:31 British Summer Time 25 April 2015

    Jamie an Arsenal fan in Lincoln: Don't worry villa the road is good for you guys ahead. Your team is rebirthed and played man city off the pitch

    James, a Chelsea fan: Nice to see Watford back in the big time, they were a match for us in the FA Cup this season and their fans were class as well.

    James: I agree with James W. The last 2 seasons Liverpool have been worlds apart from the football we were playing under Dalglish and Hodgson. As a season ticket holder I've seen the transformation. A really decent striker required and must stick with Rogers.

  11. Postpublished at 19:31 British Summer Time 25 April 2015

    You're right Sean. The whole game hinged on that late call from Mike Dean and his assistant.

    It looked on the replay that Christian Benteke was in line as he was played in on goal late on with the scores level.

    The flag went up for offside as Joe Hart came out and appeared to foul Benteke.

    A minute later the ball was in the net at the other end from Fernandinho.

    That was a teeth-kicking 60 seconds for Villa.

  12. 'We needed that'published at 19:28 British Summer Time 25 April 2015

    Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart: "We needed that. It means the world to us to win games. We'd like to be in the hunt for the title, that's not the case but we need to cement a place in the Champions League.

    Joe HartImage source, PA

    "Sometimes you come and you don't get there. That's the life of the goalkeeper. We want to finish as high as we can. Second place is in our grasp."

  13. Join the debate at #bbcfootballpublished at 19:27 British Summer Time 25 April 2015

    Nath B:, external No hard feelings for Brad. Villa can be proud of that - they could even have won it. A draw would have been a fair reflection.

    Sean:, external Villa should of been 3-2 up before Man City even had that corner. Shock, Top 4 side benefits from an appalling decision again.

  14. FULL-TIMEpublished at 19:22 British Summer Time 25 April 2015

  15. Postpublished at 19:21 British Summer Time 25 April 2015

    Joe Hart comes a long, long way and just about makes a decent punch to clear from a late Villa free-kick. All hands to the pump for City in defence.

  16. Postpublished at 19:19 British Summer Time 25 April 2015

    This game was meandering up a cul-de-sac on the hour. The last 30 minutes have been helter-skelter entertainment.

    Four minutes of injury time.

  17. GOALpublished at 19:16 British Summer Time 25 April 2015

    FernandinhoImage source, Getty Images

    Christian Benteke was wrongly called offside when clean through at one end and just moments later, City break forward to snatch the lead.

    A penalty box chaos and it is Fernandinho who reacts best in the game of pinball, sweeping home a volley.

    Surely game over?

  18. PENALTY APPEALpublished at 19:16 British Summer Time 25 April 2015

    Jesus Navas has a rasper blocked at close range. Up shoot City hands claiming a penalty for a handball from Fabian Delph. No dice.

  19. GOALpublished at 19:12 British Summer Time 25 April 2015

    Carlos SanchezImage source, Getty Images

    Well, well, well.

    Aston Villa have kept plugging away and they have their leveller. Joe Hart's weak punch is returned with interest as Carlos Sanchez volleys first time into an unguarded net.

  20. Postpublished at 19:12 British Summer Time 25 April 2015

    Aston Villa's fans are singing louder, but as it stands this weekend is going to see them sucked back towards the relegation sinkhole.

    Just two points between them and the drop.