Experience the excitement as John Stones scores a last-minute header, securing Manchester City’s position at the top of the Premier League 2024-25. Read more!
Introduction:
Manchester City escaped from a thrilling Premier League clash at Molineux in dramatic fashion with a stoppage-time header which won them the game 2-1 over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
City men certainly dominated the match but proved quite good opponents when faced by Wolverhampton Wanderers, taking the match from behind and overcoming some fantastic saves by Wolves’ goalkeeper Jose Sa.
See also: Iliman Ndiaye and Michael Keane Secure Crucial 2-0 Win for Everton
The match was underway, and City dominated large periods of possession early on; however, Wolves opened the scoring within five minutes. A perfect cross from Wolves’ winger Nelson Semedo cut open a hole in City’s defense and allowed Jorgen Strand Larsen to slot home from eight yards out. The Norwegian striker’s effort came as a shock to the visitors and set the platform for an intense battle.
City were nearly given an immediate answer to go down 1-0 when Bernardo Silva forced Wolves’ keeper Jose Sa into action with a diving save that denied what seemed a certain goal.
Once again, Ederson was required early in the game, frustrating an attack from Wolves’ quick counter with a wonderful denial of Semedo in the 19th minute. However, outside of these moments of danger, City dominated Wolves, camping in their half, and were instead forced to resort to containment of the opposition who had bunched together in a very tight defensive block.
Gvardiol’s Thunderous Strike Levels the Game
City’s persistent pressure finally paid off in the 32nd minute when Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol, a more conventional defensive player, cracked in an excellent 20-yard shot to level for City. Gvardiol received the ball on the edge of the box and hit with his right foot, and his fierce shot hit the top-right corner and just went beyond Jose Sa’s reach, with the latter managing a fingertip to it.
It is Gvardiol’s league goal for the season, but more importantly, this is a defining moment in City’s comeback as they head into halftime. City nearly should have done it when, at the end of the half, Savinho’s low shot was again matched with Jose Sa’s excellent save to keep that score line.
Wolves Heroics Continue: Sa Stands Firm
By the second half, City continued their drive by switching flanks with Jeremy Doku and Savinho. However, it was clear Wolves were never going to give up, which was demonstrated when the thorn in the flesh of City, Jose Sa, managed to make another fantastic save in the 54th minute to keep a skidding effort from Ruben Dias at bay.
City were to keep pushing forward, and Guardiola brought on Phil Foden and Jack Grealish in a last attempt to increase his attacking strength. For most of the game though, Wolves refused to crack, led by Craig Dawson at the back and ably aided by their inspired goalkeeper.
Late Drama: John Stones Seals Victory in Stoppage Time
At the end, though City showed never say die and during the game that was going to end 1-1, in the 95th minute during a string of crosses sent to the far post, John Stones rose to head home a perfectly delivered cross, setting off wild scenes of wild celebration by City players and fans.
Offside was the conclusion reached and a request made for the VAR to review. Meanwhile, in the minutes that took, the goal was canceled as Bernardo Silva was deemed to be in the way of the goalkeeper’s line of sight. Through an extremely long VAR review, the officials reversed their decision, this time stating that Silva had not been within the view of the goalkeeper. The goal stood, and the win for City came in the most dramatic manner possible.
City Go Top and Set New Record
The win sent the team to the top of the Premier League table at least until Liverpool was to play Chelsea. Significantly, though, the win also marked another epic milestone, having City set a record for the team for winning 31 games in succession in the Premier League without a loss.
Pep Guardiola’s men hadn’t kicked a ball in 15 days, as the international break had been in full swing; it was little surprise that they needed some time to get up to speed and take a complete grip on the game in terms of possession and territory. Wolves made them really work for their victory, only really allowing City to breathe easy when Stones headed home late in the game.
Conclusion
This was a game where Manchester City showed their resilience and ability to get that hard-fought win even against adversity and against a strong opponent. John Stones’ last-gasp header has marked the team as one who fights, and Gvardiol’s wonderful goal will live long in the mind too for Wolves, while for this match, they must praise their efforts, especially Jose Sa in his goalkeeping, which was first class.