Pep Guardiola is set to make history on Sunday when he takes charge of Manchester City for the 593rd and final time, surpassing Les McDowall’s all-time club record of 592 games as the Citizens host Aston Villa in the Premier League’s final day fixture at the Etihad Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM BST.
McDowall set his record across a 13-year spell between 1950 and 1963, though Guardiola will have reached the milestone in fewer years largely due to the additional competitions available in the modern era. The contexts of the two reigns could hardly be more different — McDowall’s tenure was largely focused on stabilisation, reflected in a win ratio of 37.16%, while Guardiola’s decade at the club has yielded 20 trophies.
Guardiola confirmed his departure from City after 10 years at the helm, and Sunday’s match will mark the end of a transformative era. He is set to be honoured in front of what is expected to be a record Etihad Stadium attendance, as new general admission areas are being trialled at 100% capacity, making attendees among the first fans to experience the newly expanded stand. The occasion is made even more poignant as Bernardo Silva and John Stones — both out of contract this summer — are also expected to feature in what will be their farewell appearances for the club.
City head into the game in strong form, unbeaten in their last 15 Premier League matches since a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United in January. Guardiola has won his final league match in eight of his nine previous seasons with City, and the hosts hold a commanding home record against Sunday’s opponents, winning 19 of their last 20 Premier League home games against Villa.
Aston Villa arrive having celebrated European glory for the first time in 44 years on Wednesday, defeating Freiburg 3-0 in the Europa League final in Istanbul courtesy of goals from Youri Tielemans, Emiliano Buendia, and Morgan Rogers. Guardiola acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying: “Aston Villa have had an amazing week winning in Europe and Unai is a top manager, but we are at the Etihad.”
For City fans, Sunday will be a day of celebration and farewell in equal measure.
— NutmegXtra | Football News. Transfers. More.
