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Man City 3-2 Aston Villa LIVE! Premier League result, match stream and latest updates as City clinch title

Man City 3-2 Aston Villa LIVE! Premier League result, match stream and latest updates as City clinch title

Manchester City vs Aston Villa - LIVE!

Manchester City are celebrating clinching another Premier League title with a truly dramatic comeback on an unforgettable final day of the season.

The leaders shockingly trailed Aston Villa 2-0 with less than 15 minutes to play as the script was thrown out of the window at a worried Etihad Stadium.

However, City then hit back with an extraordinary quick-fire fightback that included a pivotal brace from substitute Ilkay Gundogan and a stylish Rodri goal.

The full-time whistle sparked a full-scale pitch invasion at the Etihad as manager Pep Guardiola was left weeping tears of joy at an extraordinary achievement.

That amazing 3-2 victory meant Liverpool’s own fightback to beat Wolves 3-1 at Anfield proved in vain, with City sealing their fourth title in five years and sixth overall in the Premier League era by a single point.

Liverpool can no longer hope to claim an unprecedented quadruple, though the FA Cup and Carabao Cup winners can still win a third major trophy of a memorable season when they take on Real Madrid in the Champions League Final at the Stade de France in Paris next weekend.

Follow LIVE reaction to Man City’s epic title win with Standard Sport’s blog below!

Man City vs Aston Villa highlights

  • Man City clinch Premier League title after epic comeback

  • GOAL! Gundogan completes quick-fire fightback

  • GOAL! Rodri side-foots home equaliser

  • GOAL! Gundogan heads in City reply

  • GOAL! Coutinho doubles Villa’s advantage

  • GOAL! Cash heads Villa into shock lead

Manchester City FC 3 - 2 Aston Villa FC

City announce open-top bus parade

20:14 , George Flood

Manchester City will further share in their sixth title of the Premier League era and ninth major trophy under Guardiola with jubilant fans on Monday evening, having announced an open-top bus parade through Manchester city centre.

The parade is set to begin at Exchange Square at approximately 6pm BST, before moving on to St Mary’s Gate and then south on Deansgate.

Events will culminate at the Beetham Tower, where players are expected to arrive at around 7pm for a live stage show hosted by Danny Jackson and Natalie Pike that will also feature live music and DJs.

The parade and stage shows are non-ticketed events, with City encouraging supporters to “arrive early to get the best possible viewing experience”.

City added: “There will also be screens throughout Deansgate showing all the action from the stage.

“There is an accessible viewing platform located on Great Bridgewater Street and members of the Club’s Access Team will be on hand to assist fans who require access.”

19:33 , George Flood

Here’s that emotional Sky Sports interview with an overwhelmed but proud Zinchenko in full...

Man City apologise for fan ‘assault’ on Olsen

19:26 , George Flood

Manchester City have now released the following statement on Steven Gerrard’s claims that Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen was ‘attacked’ by City fans during the post-match pitch invasion.

“Manchester City would like to sincerely apologise to Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen, who was assaulted after the final whistle at today’s match when fans entered the pitch,” the statement reads.

“The Club has launched an immediate investigation and once identified, the individual responsible will be issued with an indefinite stadium ban.”

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

19:24 , George Flood

Emotional scenes at the Etihad as a tearful Oleksandr Zinchenko wraps a Ukraine flag around the Premier League trophy.

He says: “I will never forget this support, never in my life.”

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Bernardo Silva reaction

19:18 , George Flood

“It’s not easy, there was a bit of disbelief and we still had to believe in the turnaround,” Silva told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“I’m so happy, and the way it was makes it a little bit better but let’s not try to repeat that.

“When you beat a team as good as Liverpool, it feels better. We have won it the last few years against top, top teams.

“But once again we are the best team in England and next year we will try to come back and give a bit more to the fans.”

Pep Guardiola reaction

19:16 , George Flood

Fernandinho reaction

18:55 , George Flood

"To finish my nine years at City by winning my fifth Premier League title is a dream come true.

"This squad is genuinely special. The togetherness of the players is like nothing I have experienced before.

"These guys are my brothers, which makes winning the title even more special.

"I am leaving this summer, but I am very confident City will be successful again in the future.

"This club is fantastic and so are our fans, who have been with us every step of the way.

"Without them by our side, there is no way we can do what we have done these past five seasons. We have felt their energy and it has driven us on."

18:51 , George Flood

City’s players are called up one by one to collect their medals, with rousing cheers for every one of them by this ecstatic Etihad crowd.

Special cheers are reserved for double goalscorer Gundogan, whose introduction is already being hailed by some as the most influential substitution in Premier League history.

The trophy is then handed over to the outgoing Fernandinho, who hoists it aloft in his final act as City captain.

 (Action Images via Reuters)
(Action Images via Reuters)
 (Action Images via Reuters)
(Action Images via Reuters)
 (Manchester City FC via Getty Ima)
(Manchester City FC via Getty Ima)

Aguero tweets

18:46 , George Flood

10 years on from his dramatic title-clincher that was recently immortalised with a statue outside the Etihad, Sergio Aguero has congratulated City on another epic final-day success.

Liverpool captain Henderson congratulates City

18:45 , George Flood

"We didn't play particularly well, there were a few nerves, but we came through well in the end and scored some good goals,” Henderson told Sky Sports at Anfield.

"We kept going and found a way to win, but it was a tough afternoon.

"We didn't really know what was going on (at the Etihad), we were just focused on ourselves.

"Unfortunately it wasn't enough. We gave everything all season. In January I think we'd have bitten your hand off to take it to the last day.

"I'm very proud of what the boys have done, and we've got to say congratulations to City."

 (PA)
(PA)

Gerrard claims Olsen ‘attacked' during pitch invasion

18:40 , George Flood

Media members present during Steven Gerrard’s post-match press conference are reporting that the Aston Villa boss has claimed that goalkeeper Robin Olsen was ‘attacked’ by City fans during that pitch invasion.

“We’re going to see how he is now, but I think you should ask Pep and Man City those questions,” Gerrard said.

More on that story as we get it. Some elements of that pitch invasion didn’t look good at all, it must be said.

18:38 , George Flood

The pitch has long since been cleared at the Etihad and the players and staff of Manchester City are about to return for the trophy presentation.

The Premier League trophy is being brought out to a purple podium erected in the middle of the grass.

18:24 , George Flood

Just some of the wild post-match scenes at the Etihad....

 (Manchester City FC via Getty Ima)
(Manchester City FC via Getty Ima)
 (PA)
(PA)
 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
 (Manchester City FC via Getty Ima)
(Manchester City FC via Getty Ima)
 (Manchester City FC via Getty Ima)
(Manchester City FC via Getty Ima)

Gary Neville on Sky Sports

18:12 , George Flood

"That shot says it all [Guardiola in tears]. An incredible football season. Congratulations to Manchester City and Liverpool. Head to head all the way through. Non-stop, relentless and brilliant.

"You won't get many better Premier League seasons than that. It was a hell of a title race. For 75 minutes you couldn't believe what you were witnessing in this season.

"You felt it was over, that City were done. Just hopeful that Wolves would hang on (at Liverpool), but from somewhere they pulled three incredible moments out of the hat."

Micah Richards on Sky Sports

18:12 , George Flood

"You're sitting there thinking it's going to be Liverpool's time.

"They're going to get the three and go and play Real Madrid (in the Champions League final) to potentially get the fourth.

"But this team fights to the end. The spirit in this stadium was down in the dumps, but when they got that first goal it turned and I started to believe."

18:07 , George Flood

How does that feel, City fans?

18:07 , George Flood

Have City fans torn down one of their own goals at the Etihad?

We’ve seen plenty of sour pitch invasions lately. Hopefully this won’t be another.

They will have to clear the pitch soon to allow for the title presentation.

17:59 , George Flood

Tears of joy from Guardiola, who no doubt can’t quite believe what his side have pulled off there.

Fans still streaming onto the pitch at Etihad. Epic scenes.

Full-time

17:55 , George Flood

Manchester City 3-2 Aston Villa

CITY ARE CHAMPIONS ONCE AGAIN! A PITCH INVASION AT THE ETIHAD!

17:53 , George Flood

90 mins: Ederson is down and needing treatment, with City having used all of their subs.

Four minutes of added time for City to endure.

Another goal for Liverpool

17:50 , George Flood

Liverpool have scored again in the closing stages at Anfield through Andy Robertson.

But it won’t be enough if this scoreline holds at the Etihad.

But one more Villa goal would change everything...

17:49 , George Flood

88 mins: City just trying to take the sting out of this rip-roaring contest now.

The title is so nearly theirs once again!

Liverpool in front against Wolves

17:47 , George Flood

Another layer of drama to this incredible season climax as substitute Salah bundles over the line to give Liverpool the lead at Anfield.

How vital that quick-fire burst from City was as things stand!

Villa have sent on Danny Ings to try and get an equaliser at the Etihad.

GOAL! Manchester City 3-2 Aston Villa | Ilkay Gundogan 81'

17:42 , George Flood

81 mins: Just unbelievable.

This is astonishing from City!

Gundogan steals in at the back post to finish from close range after fabulous play from De Bruyne.

Remarkable.

GOAL! Manchester City 2-2 Aston Villa | Rodri 79'

17:39 , George Flood

79 mins: City are level in the blink of an eye!

Rodri sidefoots a brilliant finish into the bottom corner.

The Etihad has come alive once again.

Amazing, amazing drama.

GOAL! Manchester City 1-2 Aston Villa | Ilkay Gundogan 76'

17:36 , George Flood

76 mins: City have one back!

Sterling hangs up a cross to the back post, Cash gets caught under it and Gundogan has an easy header.

Game on!

17:35 , George Flood

73 mins: It is just not happening for City as the usually unflappable De Bruyne completely misses the target once more.

Guardiola’s men look entirely reliant on Liverpool not scoring again at Anfield.

They will still be the champions if these results stay the same, remember...

17:34 , George Flood

71 mins: The camera pans to £100m man Jack Grealish on the bench - he won’t be getting on against his former club as Guardiola has already made three changes.

A wonderful turn and run from Foden, who then fires over the bar.

GOAL! Manchester City 0-2 Aston Villa | Philippe Coutinho 69'

17:29 , George Flood

69 mins: It’s 2-0 to Villa as Coutinho waltzes through and picks out the bottom corner!

WOW! This is unbelievable.

Can Liverpool take advantage?!

This is horrible from City. Who saw it coming?!

17:28 , George Flood

67 mins: Better from City, but Chambers makes a great block to deny Jesus.

Coutinho clips Rodri from behind and De Bruyne has a free-kick in a great position... but it’s well wide.

Now Gundogan is on to replace Bernardo Silva.

17:25 , George Flood

64 mins: City are so, so flat at the moment it’s untrue. They’ve fallen into a dangerous lull after an electric start to the half.

They are getting away with this as things stand, but who would bet against Liverpool notching another goal against Wolves?

The nerves from the stands are being transmitted onto the pitch. Even newly-crowned Premier League Player of the Season De Bruyne is not immune, as an errant pass into touch on the near side indicates.

 (AP)
(AP)

17:23 , George Flood

62 mins: City’s defenders look very nervous any time the ball goes near Watkins, who falls under the challenge of Laporte in the box.

Nothing given.

17:22 , George Flood

60 mins: Into the final half an hour and nervous City fans collectively groan in frustration after another attack is thwarted by a sloppy mistake.

Watkins trips Jesus from behind to spoil a fast break.

17:21 , George Flood

59 mins: City are better balanced in attack here as we said, but they still look rather vulnerable to the counter-attacks spearheaded by Watkins.

Mings had his name taken by referee Michael Oliver a few moments ago.

17:19 , George Flood

56 mins: As City continue their push for that elusive equaliser, a certain Mo Salah is about to be introduced by Liverpool at Anfield.

It’s all set up for an epic final half an hour of this enthralling title race.

Guardiola’s second change sees Mahrez replaced by Sterling.

17:16 , George Flood

54 mins: Stones properly commits to an attacking header as City continue to besiege the Villa goal after half-time.

Olsen then picks out Watkins with a quick boot forwards, and he gets in front of Laporte but ends up firing wide under pressure from the Spaniard and Ederson.

The offside flag is up, but replays show he started the run from his own half... that would have counted!

Wow. City have really gotten away with one there.

Liverpool goal disallowed

17:14 , George Flood

Mane has the ball in the net again for Liverpool at Anfield... but it’s been disallowed!

As you were. The tension is off the charts!

17:12 , George Flood

49 mins: Foden comes within a whisker of teeing up an equaliser for Mahrez!

City keep the pressure on as a wicked right-wing cross from Cancelo is somehow not turned home by Jesus. What a chance!

Rodri now thumps an effort narrowly wide. Villa well and truly under the cosh now.

City look so much better balanced following the half-time switch, with Zinchenko already influential.

17:09 , George Flood

47 mins: City straight on the attack as Villa are immediately put under serious pressure.

Olsen plucks one ball out of the air before the hosts come again, with Foden nicely sliding in Jesus.

The Brazilian neglects to shoot and Villa head clear, with the ball then sitting up nicely for De Bruyne, who slices a woeful effort well over the top.

Second half underway

17:07 , George Flood

Back off and running at a tension-filled Etihad!

A huge, huge second half ahead.

City are another Liverpool goal away from disaster... can they put things back in their own hands?

Let’s find out...

17:04 , George Flood

City are making a half-time change.

Fernandinho is being replaced by Zinchenko, so that will be Stones back to centre-back.

The right decision from Guardiola, with City’s departing captain having struggled against Watkins in that first 45 minutes.

Half-time scores in full

17:03 , George Flood

Arsenal 2-1 Everton

Brentford 0-0 Leeds

Brighton 0-1 West Ham

Burnley 0-1 Newcastle

Chelsea 1-0 Watford

Crystal Palace 1-0 Man Utd

Leicester 0-0 Southampton

Liverpool 1-1 Wolves

Man City 0-1 Aston Villa

Norwich 0-2 Spurs

17:00 , George Flood

Here’s how the Premier League table looks with 45 minutes to go on the final day!

City will be champions on goal difference as we said, while Tottenham are cruising into the Champions League at Arsenal’s expense and West Ham qualifying for the Europa League, with Manchester United in the Conference League.

Burnley - and not Leeds- will be joining Watford and Norwich in the Championship next season as things stand.

Half-time stat

16:57 , George Flood

16:54 , George Flood

Well then, this certainly isn’t going to script for City so far.

They’ve been largely dominant, had plenty of the ball and got into some good positions, but have been uncharacteristically sloppy and wasteful with only one shot on target.

Villa, by contrast, showed good discipline and then proved ruthless with their only real opportunity of the half.

It’s 1-1 at the break at Anfield, so City are still champions on goal difference as things stand. But it’s getting very close for comfort and another Liverpool goal changes everything.

The Etihad has fallen very flat indeed. A big team talk needed from Guardiola - will he be considering personnel changes already?

 (Action Images via Reuters)
(Action Images via Reuters)

Half-time

16:50 , George Flood

Manchester City 0-1 Aston Villa

16:49 , George Flood

45 mins: Four minutes of additional time have been signalled at the end of this first half.

City are stepping on the gas once more in search of an equaliser, with Cancelo’s ball blocked and Laporte’s tame header from a corner easily gathered by Olsen.

That was the hosts’ first effort on target!

Watch: Cash powers Villa into shock lead

16:47 , George Flood

16:46 , George Flood

43 mins: A big chance for Villa is wasted as Watkins cleverly gets in behind Fernandinho, who misses a header and is out of the game.

Watkins closes in on goal from a tricky angle, but he’s hesitant and the touch is poor, allowing Stones to get back and snuff out the danger.

City then up the intensity with half-time looming, with De Bruyne leading the charge and trying to tee up an equaliser from the byline.

16:43 , George Flood

41 mins: Villa have the bit between their teeth now and Watkins falls in the box under pressure from Fernandinho. No penalty.

The lively Watkins is then guilty of being a bit greedy as the visitors pour forward once again.

City need to get a hold of themselves here.

16:42 , George Flood

39 mins: A long way to go of course, but the Etihad is shellshocked!

Wolves have just missed a great chance to go back in front at Anfield.

As it stands, City will still clinch the title on goal difference.

But it’s all starting to go a bit pear-shaped...

GOAL! Manchester City 0-1 Aston Villa | Matt Cash 37'

16:37 , George Flood

37 mins: NOW THEN!

Villa score with their first proper attack and the first effort on target of the game for either side.

It’s a brilliant break and Digne’s cross is perfect for fellow full-back Cash, who gets ahead of Cancelo to power in a brilliant header.

Ederson got a decent hand to it, but he wasn’t keeping that out.

Title race very much ON!

 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

16:37 , George Flood

35 mins: Another useful City attack goes awry as Jesus turns nicely at the byline but delays his cross too long and Coutinho nods clear.

16:36 , George Flood

32 mins: Alert defending from former Arsenal man Chambers, who nods Mahrez’s scooped cross away from goal with Jesus lurking.

They’ve had some nervy moments, but you’ve got to be impressed by Villa’s shape and discipline so far.

16:33 , George Flood

30 mins: Foden gets a foot in to dispossess Luiz and City are away, with Jesus cutting inside Mings but getting his finish all wrong as he scuffs well wide.

Olsen is quickly becoming a pantomime villain for the home fans for his apparent early time-wasting.

Some nerves are starting to build around the Etihad.

 (PA)
(PA)

16:31 , George Flood

28 mins: Olsen now takes a sharp blow to the face after Mahrez releases Jesus, whose poor cross from the byline is blasted straight at the Aston Villa goalkeeper.

It’s all gone a bit flat on the pitch and in the stands at the Etihad, with Villa holding firm for now.

But the title will be City’s as things stand.

Liverpool level against Wolves

16:28 , George Flood

Liverpool are level at Anfield!

Sadio Mane has just finished to cancel out Pedro Neto’s early opener.

So it’s as you were now as things stand, with City still a point ahead of their rivals at the Premier League summit.

 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

16:26 , George Flood

23 mins: End-to-end stuff just at the moment, with a City corner gathered by Olsen before Villa mount their best attack and Ederson punches clear.

City then break at pace, with De Bruyne carrying the ball all the way to the opposition box, where he loses his footing under pressure from Douglas Luiz.

Jesus picks up the loose ball and finds Foden, whose low drive is deflected just wide of the far post.

Villa deal with the resulting corner, though it’s a bit nervy again from Buendia.

16:24 , George Flood

22 mins: Applause breaks out among the Etihad crowd in memory of the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing attack, which happened five years ago today.

The players are also wearing black armbands in tribute this afternoon.

16:21 , George Flood

18 mins: City are just forcing things a little bit at the moment as they continue to enjoy all the possession and try to force spaces in that disciplined Villa low block.

Their understandable push to breach the defence early is understandable given the stakes involved, but it is leading to a few uncharacteristically sloppy mistakes in attack.

Nevertheless, Guardiola is applauding on his team enthusiastically from the sidelines.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

16:18 , George Flood

15 mins: Lovely flowing football from City as Mahrez gets to the byline, beats Cash all ends up and plays a low ball intended for De Bruyne that is hacked away by Digne.

16:16 , George Flood

12 mins: Digne returns to the pitch after some treatment and we are underway again.

City force a corner that comes to nothing and there are more nerves from Olsen, who is making his first Premier League appearance of the season today.

16:12 , George Flood

10 mins: A warning for City there as McGinn flights in a dangerous cross towards the darting Coutinho, with the ball turned behind by Fernandinho.

A break in play now after Digne is accidentally smashed square in the face by a powerful strike from Chambers.

That had to hurt. Hopefully the Frenchman is okay.

16:10 , George Flood

8 mins: All the early nerves here are coming from Villa!

Cash is almost embarrassed by some Foden trickery down the City left before Chambers nearly gives away a penalty and Jesus charges down a hesitant Olsen clearance.

Thankfully for the Swede, the ball ricochets well wide off the Brazilian frontman.

16:07 , George Flood

5 mins: An added buzz around the place now after that shock early Wolves goal.

City are still monopolising possession and patiently probing for further chances, with Cancelo’s hopeful strike blocked.

Wolves lead Liverpool at Anfield

16:04 , George Flood

4 mins: De Bruyne’s ball in is nodded harmlessly wide by Fernandinho at the front post.

Roars around the Etihad as news of an early Wolves goal at Anfield filters around the ground!

Pedro Neto’s strike at the far post has been given. Wow - a disastrous start from Liverpool!

Still plenty of time to go, however.

 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

16:03 , George Flood

2 min: An early moment of nerves for back-up Villa ‘keeper Olsen, who hacks a routine clearance into the stands.

City dominating possession early on as you might expect, with the visitors defending narrowly.

A needless foul from Targett on Foden gives De Bruyne the chance to swing in an early free-kick from the left flank.

KICK-OFF

16:01 , George Flood

HERE WE GO!

One final, spine-tingling rendition of Blue Moon and a deafening roar from an expectant Etihad crowd.

We are underway - will City clinch their fourth title in five seasons? Let’s hope for plenty of last-day drama!

15:59 , George Flood

Steven Gerrard has confirmed that Emiliano Martinez misses out today after picking up a knee injury.

“Martinez has a knee injury, it wasn’t my decision,” he said. “If it was up to me, he’d be starting. The doctors pulled him out.”

15:56 , George Flood

Here come the teams at the Etihad!

Some atmosphere, with blaring music and no shortage of pyrotechnics.

A huge afternoon in store...

15:50 , George Flood

10-minute klaxon!

How are those nerves, City fans?

 (Manchester City FC via Getty Ima)
(Manchester City FC via Getty Ima)
 (Action Images via Reuters)
(Action Images via Reuters)
 (Manchester City FC via Getty Ima)
(Manchester City FC via Getty Ima)

15:44 , George Flood

It looks like Fernandinho is lining up at centre-back alongside Aymeric Laporte this afternoon.

He has been warming up in that position, with John Stones at right-back.

Today is club captain Fernandinho’s 383rd and final appearance for City as he prepares to leave the club this summer after almost a decade.

 (Action Images via Reuters)
(Action Images via Reuters)

Good omens for City

15:43 , George Flood

Guardiola: We must not fail to enjoy this moment

15:27 , George Flood

Some rousing pre-game words from Pep Guardiola in today’s matchday programme...

“How many times in our more than one hundred years of history have we lived what we are going to live this afternoon together? How many? At Brighton three years ago? The historical Sergio 93:20 moment? Paul Dickov at Wembley in 99… Yes… a few times in our lives,” he writes.

“Dear friends, there is just one thing we are not allowed to do this afternoon: we must not fail to enjoy this moment. We will regret it forever if we are not here as one.”

 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

Salah and Van Dijk on the bench for Liverpool

15:25 , George Flood

The biggest team news of the final day is at Anfield, where Mohamed Salah, as had been rumoured earlier today, is only named as a substitute for Liverpool against Wolves.

Virgil van Dijk is also only fit enough for the bench, while Fabinho isn’t in the squad as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury with the Champions League final against Real Madrid looming in Paris next weekend.

However, Sadio Mane is back in the Reds’ starting XI.

 (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
(Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

No Martinez for Villa as Olsen and Coutinho start

15:20 , George Flood

Emi Martinez is indeed rested by Villa as Robin Olsen starts instead. The Argentine is not even named on the bench by Steven Gerrard.

There is one other change from the side that drew with Burnley on Thursday, with Philippe Coutinho back at the expense of teenage midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka.

A lot of youth on that Villa bench, including Ben Chrisene, Chukwuemeka, Tim Iroegbunam and Viljami Sinisalo.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Stones and Foden in for City

15:16 , George Flood

So City show two changes from the side held at West Ham, with John Stones and Phil Foden replacing Oleksandr Zinchenko and ex-Villa star Jack Grealish in the starting XI.

Grealish has to make do with a place on the bench against his former club. Kyle Walker is also fit enough to be named as a substitute.

 (Manchester City FC via Getty Ima)
(Manchester City FC via Getty Ima)

Aston Villa lineup

15:01 , George Flood

Starting XI: Olsen, Cash, Chambers, Mings, Digne, McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Ramsey, Buendia, Coutinho, Watkins

Subs: Sanson, Traore, Young, Nakamba, Ings, Chukwuemeka, Sinisalo, Chrisene, Iroegbunam

Man City lineup

15:01 , George Flood

Starting XI: Ederson, Stones, Fernandinho, Laporte, Joao Cancelo, De Bruyne, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Mahrez, Gabriel Jesus, Foden

Subs: Walker, Ake, Sterling, Gundogan, Grealish, Zinchenko, Carson, Palmer, McAtee

14:55 , George Flood

Official team news from the Etihad is now just five minutes away. Stay tuned!

14:48 , George Flood

May 22 marks the fifth anniversary of the Manchester Arena bombing of 2017 in which 22 people lost their lives.

Silences, tributes and moments of reflection are taking place across the city today, including at the Great Manchester Run earlier.

The names of the victims were read out during a minute’s silence at Manchester Victoria Station this morning, while the bells at Manchester Cathedral will toll at 10:31pm tonight, marking the moment the attack took place.

Aston Villa to rest Emi Martinez?

14:38 , George Flood

Official team news from around the grounds is still some 25 minutes away, but rumours have already been swirling that Mohamed Salah will be on the bench for Liverpool today.

Meanwhile, it is also being claimed in some quarters that Villa will rest first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez ahead of Argentina’s ‘Finalissma’ clash with Italy at Wembley on June 1.

That would mean either Viljami Sinisalo or Robin Olsen starting between the sticks this afternoon.

Good news for City in both cases, if true!

 (Action Images via Reuters)
(Action Images via Reuters)

14:34 , George Flood

The City players have received a rapturous welcome upon their arrival at the Etihad, where there is so much excitement and expectation - as you might expect.

They are no doubt anticipating one big party this afternoon, but Villa will have other ideas!

 (Manchester City FC via Getty Images)
(Manchester City FC via Getty Images)
 (Manchester City FC via Getty Images)
(Manchester City FC via Getty Images)
 (Action Images via Reuters)
(Action Images via Reuters)

14:21 , George Flood

Will City be lifting this trophy for the fourth time in five seasons later this afternoon?

And if so, will it be relatively plain sailing, or is there another iconic moment in store to rival the classic Martin Tyler AGUEROOOOOO?

It’s worth remembering that this is the fourth time City have gone into the final day looking to clinch the title, and they have been successful on each previous occasion.

This would be City’s eighth top-flight title overall, sixth in the Premier League era and fourth under Pep Guardiola.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Title permutations

14:08 , George Flood

Here are those all-important title permutations ahead of the final day...

How can Man City win the Premier League title today?

- Beat Aston Villa

- Match Liverpool’s result against Wolves

- A draw will be enough if Liverpool lose

How can Liverpool win the Premier League title today?

- Beat Wolves and Manchester City lose to Aston Villa

- Beat Wolves and Manchester City draw with Aston Villa

- A draw with Wolves would only be enough if Manchester City lose by a seven-goal margin

Man City vs Aston Villa prediction

13:50 , George Flood

It may well be nervy, but City’s injury boosts will likely have a major impact on this final-day fixture.

Manchester City to win 3-1 and clinch the title.

Aston Villa team news - Bailey a big doubt

13:49 , George Flood

Aston Villa, meanwhile, remain without defenders Kortney Hause and Esri Konsa.

Jamaican winger Leon Bailey also remains doubtful due to an ankle injury.

Predicted Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Chambers, Mings, Digne; McGinn, Luiz, Ramsey; Coutinho; Watkins, Ings

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Man City team news - Stones and Walker in training

13:41 , George Flood

City should have experienced defenders Kyle Walker and John Stones back for a critical afternoon following their respective returns to training following injury.

However, Ruben Dias remains sidelined with a hamstring problem.

Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden were left on the bench for last week’s dramatic draw at West Ham and could return here, while Riyad Mahrez may find himself dropped following his late penalty miss that could yet prove disastrous.

“We have incredible doctors and physios and they have recovered,” Pep Guardiola said of Stones and Walker at his pre-match press conference. “They made a partial training and we will see tomorrow. It is good for us to have them back.”

Predicted Manchester City XI: Ederson; Walker, Laporte, Stones, Cancelo; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Jesus, Foden, Sterling.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

How to watch Man City vs Aston Villa

13:36 , George Flood

TV channel: In the UK, today’s game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Ultra HD.

Live stream: Subscribers will also be able to watch the action unfold online via the Sky Go app.

Welcome to Man City vs Aston Villa LIVE coverage!

12:57 , George Flood

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Manchester City vs Aston Villa!

Pep Guardiola’s hosts are looking to claim a fourth Premier League title in five seasons on what promises to be a hectic and memorable final day of the 2021/22 campaign.

A win will be enough for City to clinch glory on the last day once again, though dropping points could prove fatal as Liverpool - a point behind the leaders with an inferior goal difference - start the day just one behind as they take on Wolves at Anfield hoping to keep their dreams of an unprecedented quadruple alive.

Stay tuned for live build-up, latest team news and match updates from the Etihad Stadium, with kick-off at 4pm BST!