Stones scores late header to secure victory for Man City against Wolves

John Stones’ dramatic stoppage-time winner propelled Manchester City to the top of the Premier League with a 2-1 victory over a determined Wolves side.

The defender’s header in the fifth minute of injury time was awarded by referee Chris Kavanagh after a review, much to the dismay of the home team, as it was initially ruled out for offside.

Josko Gvardiol had earlier equalized for City after Jorgen Strand Larsen put Wolves ahead. The home side remains winless this season and sits at the bottom of the Premier League.

City started strong at Molineux but were shocked in the seventh minute when Nelson Semedo’s brilliant cross, which evaded four City defenders, was tapped in by Strand Larsen.

Jose Sa, filling in for the injured goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, made a crucial save to deny Bernardo Silva shortly after as City maintained control of the match. They finally equalized in the 33rd minute when Gvardiol found the top corner from 20 yards.

However, the goal didn’t immediately pave the way for victory, as Wolves stood firm, limiting City’s space. An excellent low save from Sa denied Savinho in first-half stoppage time.

Another impressive stop from Sa kept Ruben Dias at bay as City continued to press, but they nearly fell victim to a rare Wolves counterattack when Matheus Cunha shot wide.

Pep Guardiola introduced Phil Foden and Jack Grealish from the bench, but City had to wait until deep into stoppage time for the decisive goal.

Stones headed in Foden’s corner, initially seeing Silva ruled offside as he obstructed Sa’s view. However, after watching the play unfold, referee Kavanagh awarded the goal, leaving Wolves devastated.

The significance of Stones’ winner will only become clear later in the season, but it could prove to be a crucial result in the title race.

With Liverpool’s relentless pursuit and Arsenal’s strong showing this season, every dropped point will be vital, and City was close to losing ground. Instead, they climbed to the top of the table just before Liverpool’s match against Chelsea later on Sunday.

While City lost 2-1 at Molineux last season and still managed to secure a fourth consecutive title, with Arne Slot’s impressive start at Anfield and Arsenal’s ongoing improvement under Mikel Arteta, Guardiola understands that his team cannot afford to fall behind.

When they finally broke through, it wasn’t due to a complex passing sequence but rather a last-minute corner, a moment that will undoubtedly bolster their determination to claim a fifth consecutive championship.

Wolves deserve significant credit for their defensive efforts, as City appeared to struggle for ideas and creativity in their search for a winner until they finally found a solution.

A heartbreaking defeat perfectly encapsulates Wolves’ season.

Competitive and determined, united and committed to Gary O’Neil’s plan, they still couldn’t hold on for a draw that would have felt like a victory.

O’Neil had promised that Wolves would continue to assert their identity, leaving everything on the pitch to demonstrate their capability to compete at this level. Over the 14 months he has been at Molineux, they have shown this, and against Manchester City, it was evident once again. Grit and determination were in abundance, and despite the painful defeat, there are still positives to take away.

The fans appreciated their team’s fighting spirit—particularly Joao Gomes’ excellent performance—and any frustration was directed at Kavanagh for awarding the goal and not granting Wolves a free kick before City’s late corner onslaught, which ultimately led to the winner.

There is no desire for change at Wolves, despite their winless start, and there is enough evidence to suggest they can survive; however, the urgency to secure a victory grows with each passing game.

Player of the Match: J. Strand Larsen.