Manchester City 2 (Josko Gvardiol 33′, John Stones 95′)
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 (Strand Larsen 7′)
Here are the City player ratings as Manchester City beat Wolves 2-1 at Molineux. Pep Guardiola warned that City would face a tough game against Wolves and that’s exactly what unfolded at Molineux.
First half
The game kicked off with Manchester City dominating possession and Wolves sitting deep and looking to hit the champions on the break. It is a familiar pattern when teams take on Pep Guardiola’s side.
Despite City’s early dominance, it was Wolves who took the lead in the 7th minute. A quick Wolves break saw Nelson Semedo play a teasing ball into the box and Jørgen Strand Larsen was on hand to tap in and give the hosts the lead. City’s susceptibility to quick counters is fast becoming a major issue. It is one that needs addressing going forward.
José Sá made a stunning save from a Bernardo Silva strike two minutes after Wolves opener. City were dominating possession and kept the hosts pinned deep in their own half.
A quality Ederson save in the 19th minute prevented Wolves from doubling their lead from another quick counter. Nelson Semedo was played through but City’s number-one keeper denied the rampaging full-back.
Manchester City continued to dominate possession and got their equaliser in the 33rd minute through a quality strike from Josko Gvardiol. The Croatian international unleashed a devastating strike with his right foot to restore parity.
Joško Gvardiol is the top scorer among Premier League defenders with six goals in 2024 🔥 pic.twitter.com/WTC6Y86kWb
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) October 20, 2024
Following Gvardiol’s equaliser the world champions continued to dominate possession. On the stroke of halftime, Sá made another stunning save to deny Savinho.
The game went into the interval delicately poised at 1-all at halftime.
Second half
The second half quickly followed the pattern of the first. City’s first chance of note was a long-range strike from Ruben Dias which was well saved once again by José Sá in the 53rd minute. But like the first half, Wolves responded with a quick counter, which saw Matheus Cunha flash a long-range strike wide of Ederson’s post in the 55th minute.
Following the early flurry the game fell into a familiar pattern. Manchester City dominated possession but couldn’t break down a stubborn Wolves rearguard. City’s best chances came from corners but the champions couldn’t break Wolves down. That was until the 95th minute.
A beautifully delighted corner from Phil Foden was met by John Stones, whose header flew past an inspired José Sá. The goal was initially disallowed for Bernardo Silva apparently impeding José Sá’s vision. But VAR ruled that the goal should stand which meant Manchester City would leave Molineux with a precious three points.
🚨🚨| GOAL: JOHN STONES WINS IT FOR MANCHESTER CITY IN THE 95TH MINUTE!!!!
Wolves 1-2 Manchester City
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) October 20, 2024
Here are the City player ratings from City’s last-minute win over Wolves.
City player ratings
Ederson-7/10: Could do little about Wolves’ opener but did make a great save from Nelson Semedo to prevent the hosts from doubling their lead.
Rico Lewis-7/10: Caught out for Wolves opener but was better after that. Another decent display from Lewis.
John Stones-8/10: Was the hero again with his late winner. Besides that, he was good on the ball and defended well when required.
Ruben Dias-7/10: Defended well against Wolves long ball threat and was good in possession.
Josko Gvardiol-7.5/10: Scored a stunning goal for City’s equaliser. Was good in possession throughout the game.
Mateo Kovacic-7/10: Kovacic was good in midfield once again. Dictated the game well when City had possession.
Ilkay Gundogan-6/10: Gundogan never stopped trying, but he has yet to discover his best form.
Bernardo Silva-8/10: An all-action display from Bernardo. One of City’s best over the course of the full 90 minutes.
Savinho-6.5/10: He threatened on occasions, but like Doku, his end product wasn’t there. Had one good effort saved by José Sá late in the first half. Also, like Doku, he looked more dangerous on the right wing rather than the left.
Jeremy Doku-6/10: Picked up an assist with his layoff for Gvardiol’s wonder strike. While he was dangerous, especially in the first half his end product was lacking. Doku was infinitely more dangerous on the left wing rather than the right.
Erling Haaland-5/10: He couldn’t get into the game as Wolves defence kept him quiet. Still had his moments at times but was well below his best
Substitutes
Phil Foden-6.5/10: Set up Stones’ winner with a perfect corner. He didn’t contribute much after coming on but that was the pivotal moment in City’s win.
Jack Grealish-6.5/10: He immediately offered a threat on the left when he came on.
Matheus Nunes-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.
