Manchester City welcomed Wolverhampton to the Etihad Stadium looking to continue their impressive run of form in the Premier League. The UEFA Champions League finalists are on a 5 game winning streak and sit top of the log. Pep Guardiola and his City team faced a Wolverhampton side who are a win away from European places albeit temporarily.
Wolves were not agitated by the ravaging Citizens who were on a winning streak and scored for fun. They put in a stubborn defensive display in the first half typical of the side. The men in blue made an early statement of intent as Raheem Sterling’s low drive was denied by a fine save from Jose Sa. Minutes later, Bernardo Silva sent his shot inches wide off the left post after finding himself unmarked on the edge of the box.
Wolves survived a scare as Max Kilman was caught in possession and seemingly fouled Gabriel Jesus who appealed for a penalty. Referee Jonathan Moss wasn’t interested and waved play on.
A game marred by a succession of fouls and injuries saw either side fail to build momentum but things turned sour for Bruno Lage’s men as Raul Jimenez was sent off for two quick-fire yellow card offenses.
The Mexican was initially booked for harrying Rodri off the ball and then for delaying the restart. Despite dominating proceedings, City failed to find a way through as Wolves survived the remaining minutes of the first half.
After a dramatic end to the first half, Bruno Large’s men faced an uphill battle to thwart the relentless Citizens with a man down. The chances came thick and fast after the restart as City piled on the pressure and the blue wave never looked like slowing down.
Arsenal target Raheem Sterling went down in the box after a mazy dribble from the right but again Jon Moss wasn’t interested, Conor Coady bailed his team out with a goal-line clearance from Ilkay Gundogan’s goal-bound header.
City were relentless but without a goal to show for it. For all their pressure, the citizens had to find a way to open up Wolves who were virtually parked in their box. Bernardo Silva’s cross was blocked by Joao Moutinho who had his arm raised and now Jonathan Moss was interested.
After a VAR check, the penalty was given. Raheem Sterling clocked up his 100th premier league goal with a well-taken spot-kick and there was a sigh of relief for the home fans as they took the lead.
They never looked like stopping at one. Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva spurned glorious chances to close out the game. The former sent his rebound shot flying sky high while the latter forced Jose Sa into a stunning reflex save leaving City fans in disbelief. Gabriel Jesus drew another fine stop from the Wolves stopper at his near post.
Ederson pulled off a last-ditch super save to deny Max Kilman and preserve maximum points for Manchester City.
The result sees Pep Guardiola’s men extend their lead at the top of the table with four points heaping the pressure on Liverpool and Chelsea, both of whom face seemingly difficult tasks with Liverpool taking on Aston Villa and Chelsea welcoming Leeds United.
