Pep Guardiola says the Etihad Stadium atmosphere during Manchester City’s remarkable title resurrection was the best he has known since arriving at the club. The ground was in fine voice until stunned by two Aston Villa goals, but after Ilkay Gundogan pulled one back, the momentum - and the noise - grew to a crescendo.
Guardiola had urged City fans to play their part and they rose to that, giving the players a rousing welcome when they arrived at the ground before the game, and then making a lot of noise before and during the game, only quietening when it seemed their dream of a fourth Premier League crown in five years was dying.
Gundogan ’s goal, quickly followed by Rodri ’s equaliser and Gundogan’s winner - all inside five minutes - saw the stadium build into a frenzy which led to a pitch invasion at the end. Guardiola was full of praise for the supporters who helped the Blues over the line after an ordinary performance.
