It took a John Stones header at the death, and a controversial VAR call for Manchester City to earn all three points against Wolves. Jorgen Strand Larsen had opened the scoresheet for the hosts early in the first half before Josko Gvardiol scored an equalizer for Pep Guardiola’s men, who looked for the most part as if they would not take the chance to overtake Arsenal on the standings. However, Stone rose high to snatch victory from the jaws of disappointment in the fourth minute of added time, and met Phil Foden’s corner to put the ball at the back of the net.
City fans had a moment of apprehension, however, when Bernardo Silva was ruled offside. But referee Chris Kavanaugh reversed the decision after confirming from the pitchside monitor that Silva did not interfere with play. The result, earned by a City side that was far from being at its best, sent them three points ahead of Arsenal who lost 2-0 to Bournemouth on Saturday.
On the other hand, the result compounded Wolves’ woes, having recorded just a point from eight games. Manager Gary O‘Neil, whose job is perhaps more at danger than any other coach in the Premier League, has explained that the results are not reflective of the team’s strength. The showdown against City is a pointer to this as Wolves could have deservedly gone home with all three points.
The game started well for O’Neil’s men, taking the lead in the seventh minute. Nelson Semedo beat his markers down the right flank and sent a cross to beat City goalkeeper Ederson defenders for Strand Larsen to guide the ball into an empty net. City pressed for an equalizer soon after with a low curling shot by Silva that was brilliantly saved by Sa. Wolves almost doubled their lead in the 19th minute when City’s push for an equalizer left them exposed and Joao Gomes put Semedo through on goal. However, his efforts were met with an Ederson save. Wolves would come to regret this as Gvardiol equalized for City in the 33rd minute with a shot into the top corner from 20 yards out. More efforts from Savinho and Ruben Dias were kept out by Sa’s outstanding goalkeeping, as Guardiola’s men struggled to get in front despite controlling the ball possession. The game would have ended on this term but for Stone’s heroic header which made the difference in the end.
TRENDING
