Man City’s final Premier League finish and points after late Aston Villa twist - according to Opta

Manchester City gave their hopes of a top-five finish a major boost on Tuesday night as they scored a 94th-minute winner in a 2-1 win against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.

The victory pushed Pep Guardiola’s side to third in the table, one point above Nottingham Forest and two ahead of Newcastle United. Although, City have played a game more with their Premier League clash moved forward due to their participation in the FA Cup this weekend.

Crucially, they are now four points ahead of Chelsea in sixth and Aston Villa in seventh with the late win keeping their destiny in their own hands. Marcus Rashford hit the post inside the first minute against City before Bernardo Silva put the hosts ahead. Rashford did score from the penalty spot after a VAR review. Matheus Nunes then netted in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time after a superb run and cross from Jeremy Doku.

Man City predicted Premier League finish after late Aston Villa win

The statistical experts at Opta have made their calculations for how the final Premier League table could look come the end of the season. Liverpool and Arsenal are tipped to finish first and second, while City are forecast for around 69 points and third place after 38 games with their chances of finishing in the top five predicted to be 95.52 per cent.

Nottingham Forest are predicted to finish fourth with around 68 points, one point and one place above Newcastle. It means Chelsea and Villa are the sides tipped to miss out on a place in the top five. The Premier League has been handed an extra Champions League qualification spot ahead of next season due to English club’s performances in UEFA competitions this term. There could be six Premier League sides in the Champions League next campaign with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-finals of the Europa League. The winner of the Europa League is handed a place in the Champions League.

In previous years, the number of teams from one country in the Champions League was capped at five but that stipulation has been removed with the introduction of a new format this season.

Pep Guardiola reaction to late win over Aston Villa

Reflecting on the win over Villa, Guardiola said: “If we win the next four games, it has been so important. Of course, it’s important. We don’t have to be a scientist to realise that we play against Aston Villa, one of the best teams. We saw the games against Newcastle and (Paris St Germain), the top form, the quality, the manager, everything. It’s an extraordinary team.

“But we performed like we were in the past, the commitment, we concede not much. We didn’t create much either, but we controlled most of the game. The back four, again, had been amazing. All the players.

“In terms of qualification for the Champions League, for the points, it’s important. But at the same time, we have to be calm and focus on the semi-final, and after, we have days to prepare the four ‘finals’ – two games are home, two away, and game by game. Important is we have (it) in our hands – if we win the three, four games, we will be there.”

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