John Stones heads in stoppage-time winner to move City top and send Wolves bottom

Oct 20, 2024 - 15:52

Manchester City's John Stones (centre) celebrates scoring their side's second goal. Photograph: Nick Potts/PA

John Stones scored Man City’s dramatic winner in stoppage time at Molineux as their 2-1 victory at Wolves sent them top of the Premier League table.

Jorgen Strand Larsen had opened the scoring for Gary O'Neil side and though Josko Gvardiol levelled it up before the break, struggling Wolves defended doggedly and looked to have held out until Stones' headed in a corner in the 95th minute of the match.

The goal was initially ruled out for offside but was allowed after a VAR check when it was deemed that Bernardo Silva was not interfering with Jose Sa's view. The win extends City's unbeaten run to 31 games, moves them top and sends Wolves bottom.

How it played out at Molineux

Wolves' poor form could have had them fearing the worst against the Premier League champions but they were given the boost of an early goal, a sweeping move down the right seeing Nelson Semedo's low cross find Strand Larsen free to slot in at the far post.

Semedo had the chance to make it two from a similar counter-attack soon after but was denied by Ederson and it was a impressive rearguard thereafter with City utterly dominating possession. It took something quite special from Gvardiol to find a way past Jose Sa.

The stand-in goalkeeper got his hand to it but could not keep out the right-footed shot that was bound for the top corner. Sa still impressed, producing fine stops from Bernardo and Savinho to ensure that Wolves were able to go in level at the interval.

City pushed and probed in the second half, introducing Phil Foden and Jack Grealish to provide a different wing threat, but Erling Haaland was kept remarkably quiet. Wolves were so close to seeing out before the late drama - Stones heading in to stun Molineux.

The home crowd were furious with the decision, particularly given the on-field call of offside. Wolves were applauded off for their efforts, City celebrated wildly. After Arsenal's slip, this bolsters the view that even when off sorts, City are the team to beat.