The converted right-back scored a last-gasp winner to bolster Manchester City's Champions League hopes and dent Aston Villa's in the process
Matheus Nunes scored a goal deep into second-half stoppage time to secure Manchester City a huge 2-1 win over Champions League qualification rivals Aston Villa.
City were given an almighty scare after just 18 seconds when Marcus Rashford bamboozled the home side's defence before firing an effort against the post.
The defending champions rallied quickly and took the lead in the seventh minute after Omar Marmoush burst past Matty Cash before setting up Bernardo Silva, whose shot proved too much for goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
Ruben Dias clumsily conceded a penalty, following a lengthy VAR review that incensed City, when he brought down Jacob Ramsey and Manchester United loanee Rashford dispatched the subsequent spot-kick in the 18th minute.
Villa were trying to capitalise on City's high-line, whereas Pep Guardiola's men were trying to catch them out with a high press as both teams felt each other out.
The game was brought out of its lengthy slumber when James McAtee nearly scored an audacious lob, only to see his effort drift agonisingly wide. Rashford – who has now scored four times at the Etihad in his career – wasn't far away from grabbing a second when his shot from a very tight angle hit the side netting soon after.
McAtee spurned a glorious chance just after the hour mark when he fluffed Nico O'Reilly's sliderule pass into the box and then Marmoush had a goal ruled out off being offside.
Just when it looked like the game would peter out in a meek draw, substitute Jeremy Doku showed a moment of class to speed past Villa's defence and set up Nunes for a 94th-minute winner. The result saw City rise to third whereas Villa stay seventh.
GOAL rates Manchester City's players from the Etihad…
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Stefan Ortega (6/10):
Didn't have a great deal to do but was competent enough when called upon, in place of the injured Ederson.
Matheus Nunes (7/10):
After not doing a great deal right for much of the evening, the former midfielder was in the right place at the right time to score the winner.
Ruben Dias (4/10):
Struggled early on with the pacy Rashford and conceded a penalty in ungainly style. This was a difficult night for the Portuguese.
Josko Gvardiol (6/10):
In the air the Croatian put in a strong showing but he wasn't entirely assured in other areas.
Nico O'Reilly (7/10):
Didn't have many chances to show his attacking talents but when he did the youngster looked a threat, particularly with his balls into the area.
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Ilkay Gundogan (6/10):
The 34-year-old showed some good movement on occasion and some neat passes but at times the game passed him by.
Mateo Kovacic (6/10):
Was busy in midfield as he searched for openings in the centre of the park but didn't contribute a huge amount in terms of tangible chances.
Kevin De Bruyne (5/10):
Displays like these perhaps show why City didn't take up the option to extend the veteran's contract.
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Bernardo Silva (7/10):
Highlighted the importance of getting the ball on target for his goal as Martinez dropped a clanger.
Omar Marmoush (7/10):
Created something out of nothing for the opener and gave Cash nightmares. Looked the most likely to provide that necessary bit of quality.
James McAtee (5/10):
The City academy product can be a bit too lightweight and needs to offer more in attack to become a regular.
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Jeremy Doku (7/10):
His superb run and cross grabbed City a late, late winner.
Manuel Akanji (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Pep Guardiola (6/10):
His side put on a late show to beat Everton last time out but they lacked a spark for much of this contest against Villa. They seemed to run out of ideas at times, which is so strange to see from a Guardiola team. But Nunes bailed him out late on.