Controversy sparked at the end of the match, as John Stones’ header secured a dramatic 2-1 win for Manchester City over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Molineux.
This victory keeps City at 20 points, just one behind league leaders Liverpool, who triumphed over Chelsea on Sunday.
Lineups
City lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation but made notable changes, with Jack Grealish and Phil Foden surprisingly benched in favor of Savinho and Jérémy Doku on the wings.
Wolves deployed a 3-5-2 setup, with José Sa replacing Sam Johnstone in goal and Carlos Forbs making way for Santiago Bueno.
How the Match Unfolded
Wolves had a dream start, stunning City within the first seven minutes. Nelson Semedo’s exquisite low cross found Strand Larsson, who slotted it past Ederson to give the Wolves an early lead.
City had a chance to equalize when Savinho caused chaos on the right flank and delivered a precise low ball to Bernardo Silva. However, José Sa’s reflexes were impeccable, denying the Portuguese midfielder.
Wolves threatened again with another slick move, as Semedo burst through the City defense, only for Ederson to thwart his effort.
City leveled the match in the 33rd minute. Doku’s pass to Josko Gvardiol resulted in a curling shot that beat Sa and nestled into the top-left corner.
Both teams squandered several chances in the second half, but the drama unfolded in the dying minutes. In the 95th minute, the linesman initially ruled John Stones’ header offside. However, VAR intervened, and the goal was allowed to stand, as Bernardo Silva was judged not to have impeded the goalkeeper.
Analysis
City displayed resilience and tactical flexibility, with manager Pep Guardiola’s substitutions proving pivotal. Savinho and Doku’s pace on the wings created numerous opportunities, while Stones’ late header showcased City’s never-give-up attitude.
Despite their early lead, Wolves struggled to maintain their intensity. Their defensive frailties were exposed, and the absence of Johnstone’s leadership in goal was evident. However, their attacking play, particularly through Semedo, showed promise and will be a positive takeaway for manager Bruno Lage.
City’s unbeaten run now extends to 31 games in the Premier League, the fourth-highest in the competition’s history. In contrast, Wolves have yet to secure a victory in their first eight games of the season—a worrying sign.
What’s Next
City will face Southampton in their next fixture, aiming to maintain their momentum and close the gap on Liverpool. Wolves, on the other hand, will look to bounce back as they take on Brighton.
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