Wolves came heartbreakingly close to a fantastic result on Sunday, only for John Stones to score a last-minute winner for Manchester City in the 95th minute, denying the hosts what would have been just their second point of the season.
Wolves had done so well to withstand City’s relentless pressure in the second half.
Jorgen Strand Larsen gave Wolves a dream start at Molineux, thanks to a brilliant cross from Nelson Semedo that the Norwegian slotted home with confidence. However, City’s Josko Gvardiol equalized with a stunning strike from outside the box in the 33rd minute, his side’s seventh goal from outside the area this season.
As expected, City dominated possession in the second half, constantly probing for a way through Wolves’ defense. Just when it looked like the hosts might hold on for a point, John Stones rose high from a corner in the 95th minute to snatch all three points for the visitors.
Now, let’s take a look at the standout performers from the match and those who might feel they could have done more.
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Wolves (5-4-1):
- Jose Sa – 7.5
Made three fantastic saves, including a diving stop to his right to deny Savinho. - Nelson Semedo – 7
Great going forward, especially with his assist for the goal. His influence was slightly limited after a yellow card before half-time. - Santiago Bueno – 7
Key pass for the opening goal and strong defensive work, keeping City’s attackers in check. - Craig Dawson – 8
A rock at the back, holding his own against Erling Haaland and leading Wolves’ defense brilliantly. - Toti Gomes – 6.5
Solid despite an early booking. Stayed composed and disciplined throughout the game. - Rayan Ait-Nouri – 7
Did well to contain Savinho, forcing the Brazilian to switch wings. - Joao Gomes – 7
Worked tirelessly, often getting in City’s faces and even clashing with Mateo Kovacic. - Mario Lemina – 6
Had some difficult moments, but overall showed energy and discipline in the midfield. - Andre – 5.5
Struggled to make an impact as City controlled possession. Substituted at half-time. - Matheus Cunha – 6
Looked dangerous on the break, but Wolves didn’t have many chances to exploit his pace. - Jorgen Strand Larsen – 7
Only had three touches in the first half, but one of them was the crucial early goal that changed the game.
Subs:
- Tommy Doyle (for Andre, 46) – 6.5
- Carlos Forbs (for Cunha, 67) – 6.5
- Goncalo Guedes (for Larsen, 79)
- Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (for Joao Gomes, 90)
Manchester City (4-1-4-1):
- Ederson – 7
Made a crucial save when City were a goal down, rushing out to block Semedo’s effort. - Rico Lewis – 6
Struggled early on, especially for Wolves’ goal, but grew into the game and finished strongly. - John Stones – 7
Scored the dramatic late winner, his second important goal of the season. - Ruben Dias – 6
Not his fault entirely, but the fact that City haven’t kept a clean sheet since the opening day is a concern. - Josko Gvardiol – 7.5
Superb finish for City’s equalizer and consistently used the ball with purpose. - Mateo Kovacic – 5.5
Caught out of position for Wolves’ goal, something that’s becoming a bit too frequent in his performances. - Savinho – 6
Involved a lot but didn’t deliver a decisive moment. Missed a few good chances. - Bernardo Silva – 6
Neat and tidy, but lacked cutting edge. High pass completion, but not much end product. - Ilkay Gundogan – 6
City needed his late runs into the box, but they didn’t come. Similar to Silva: nothing spectacular, nothing disastrous. - Jeremy Doku – 6
Showed flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency in his delivery. - Erling Haaland – 6
Worked hard to find space, but was stifled by Wolves’ defense. A frustrating afternoon for the Norwegian.
Subs:
- Phil Foden (for Doku, 66) – 7.5
- Jack Grealish (for Savinho, 73) – 6
- Matheus Nunes (for Kovacic, 86)
It was a cruel end for Wolves, who had battled so hard for a share of the points, but it’s a testament to City’s resilience and ability to find a way through even in the toughest situations.
