Victory over Villa a massive step for us, says Dias | OneFootball

Ruben Dias has stressed the importance of beating fellow Champions League qualification hopefuls Aston Villa, as City moved up to third in the Premier League with a thrilling 2-1 win.

Bernardo Silva struck first after seven minutes at the Etihad Stadium, before Marcus Rashford stroked in from the penalty spot shortly after.

City dominated the chances and pushed forward for a winner in the second period, which eventually arrived four minutes into stoppage time as Matheus Nunes tapped in at the back post from Jeremy Doku's cross.

MATCH REPORT: CITY 2-1 ASTON VILLA

The three points propel us up to third and take us to 61 points, four ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea who have played one game less, keeping our quest to finish in the top five and secure Champions League football for next season in our own hands.

"They’re on the run with us to this top five. Because of that it was a special game to get the three points," said Dias in an interview after the game.

"Four games to go and all of them will be massively important. I really wanted today to get the three points.

"We know how tight it is and how tight it will be until the end. Today, I can't quantify how important today was. It was a massive step for us.

"It’s one of them. I don't think I’d rather win it any other way."

Pep Guardiola's men are now unbeaten in seven matches across all competitions and Dias believes that the team are thriving together because of the collective desire to finish in the top five.

"I mean, this means everything to us," he declared.

"We know exactly what circumstances we are in, this top four or top five means everything to us.

"This is our Premier League this season, this is our main trophy. Of course we have the FA Cup left and the Club World Cup, but this right now means everything to us."