Wolverhampton Wanderers were left heartbroken as Manchester City snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory at Molineux, courtesy of a 95th-minute header from John Stones. Despite a spirited and dogged display from Wolves, City’s persistence ultimately paid off, moving them to the top of the Premier League and leaving Wolves at the bottom of the table.
Wolves, who have endured a tough start to the season under manager Gary O’Neil, gave their home fans early hope when Jorgen Strand Larsen opened the scoring in the 10th minute. Nelson Semedo’s surging run down the right led to a precise low cross, finding Larsen unmarked at the back post to slot home, sending Molineux into raptures.
It was a moment of joy for Wolves, but one they knew they’d need to work hard to protect. City, as they often do, dominated possession and spent much of the first half probing the Wolves’ defence. Pep Guardiola’s side equalised in the 35th minute through Josko Gvardiol, who fired in from a Bernardo Silva corner. Wolves keeper Jose Sa was in fine form, keeping City at bay with several impressive saves, but Gvardiol’s effort was just too powerful.
From that point, it seemed inevitable that City’s relentless pressure would result in a second goal. Yet Wolves, to their credit, defended valiantly, with Max Kilman, Craig Dawson, and Santi Bueno forming a solid back line that repeatedly denied the likes of Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku.
As the game entered stoppage time, it appeared Wolves might have done enough to earn a valuable point. However, in the dying moments of the match, City won a corner. The delivery found John Stones, who rose highest to head the ball into the net. Initially, the goal was ruled out for offside, but after a tense VAR review, it was deemed Bernardo Silva was not obstructing Sa’s view, and the goal stood.
The decision was met with fury from the Molineux faithful, and Wolves players were visibly devastated after holding out for so long. Gary O’Neil, in his post-match interview, expressed his frustration at yet another late decision going against his team, though he praised his side’s resilience in a game many had written them off in.
Manchester City celebrated wildly, their late win sending them to the top of the Premier League after rivals Arsenal had dropped points earlier in the day. Wolves, meanwhile, remain rooted to the bottom, but O’Neil will take some solace in his team’s fighting spirit, knowing performances like this could yet turn their season around.
