John Stones, a defender for Manchester City, scored a disputed last-minute goal to secure a 2-1 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday. This victory propelled them to the top of the Premier League and marked a new club record of 31 consecutive league games without a loss.
Wolves Take the Early Lead
Champions City dominated possession at Molineux from start to finish, but were caught off guard in the seventh minute when Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen finished composedly from close range after a brilliant cross from Nelson Semedo.
Semedo failed to capitalize on a fantastic opportunity to extend Wolves’ lead in a one-on-one situation, but Ederson made a crucial save. Shortly after, City’s defender Josko Gvardiol seized the opportunity, finding space to elegantly curl a shot into the net past Jose Sa, bringing the score level in the 33rd minute.
Stones Decisive Goal and VAR Drama
John Stones scored a late goal from a corner, and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) then checked if Bernardo Silva was offside in front of the goalkeeper. The referee ultimately allowed the goal, delighting their manager Pep Guardiola and the traveling fans.
Stones expressed his satisfaction with winning in that manner and once again contributing a goal, stating, “I’m delighted to have won in that way and to get on the scoresheet once more.” He also mentioned scoring a late equaliser against Arsenal the previous month.
Wolves Resilience and City’s Title Push
“It was a challenging match. I must acknowledge Wolves for how they prevented us from creating opportunities and made it tough for us in the attacking third,” he stated.
City is now at the top of the league due to goal difference, having amassed 20 points, two more than Liverpool. Liverpool, who will play against Chelsea later on Sunday, have the chance to reclaim the top position if they secure a victory.
Wolves, who have yet to win a game this season, are in danger of facing a relegation battle if they don’t begin to secure victories.
Controversial VAR Decision Leaves Wolves Frustrated
Their coach Gary O’Neil was extremely angry after the game ended, as his team had bravely defended against City, who had possession for three-quarters of the game.
Referee Chris Kavanagh first invalidated Stones’ goal, thinking Silva had obstructed goalkeeper Sa’s view, but VAR determined that was not true. After Kavanagh reviewed the footage on the sideline, he reversed the call, prompting boos from the home fans echoing throughout the stadium.
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