Manchester Metropolis snatched a controversial 2-1 win at Wolves as John Stones’ last-gasp purpose was given after a VAR assessment to ship the champions to the highest of the Premier League on Sunday. Pep Guardiola’s aspect trailed to Jorgen Strand Larsen’s shock opener for Wolves early within the first half. Josko Gvardiol dragged Metropolis again on degree phrases earlier than the interval and, with simply seconds left in stoppage-time, Stones headed the guests to a dramatic sixth win in eight league video games this season. Backside of the desk Wolves claimed Stones’ purpose ought to have been disallowed for offside and interference by Bernardo Silva on keeper Jose Sa.
However referee Chris Kavanagh ignored their protests after consulting the pitchside monitor.
Metropolis are two factors away from earlier leaders Liverpool, who can reclaim pole place with a victory in opposition to Chelsea in a while Sunday.
Chasing a fifth successive English title, Guardiola’s males have set a brand new membership document as their unbeaten run within the league reached 31 video games since their loss to Aston Villa in December.
In English top-flight historical past, solely six instances has a aspect gone greater than 30 matches with out dropping, most just lately Liverpool’s run of 44 video games from 2019 to 2020.
Metropolis are undefeated in 11 video games in all competitions this season after avenging final season’s 2-1 defeat on their earlier go to to Wolves.
The champions had been rocked after simply seven minutes when Nelson Semedo’s pin-point low cross reached Strand Larsen on the far put up and the striker eluded Stones for a easy close-range end.
Erling Haaland is essentially the most celebrated Norway striker however his worldwide team-mate had stolen the highlight from him for as soon as.
It was the fifth time in seven league video games that Metropolis had fallen behind.
They practically hit again instantly as Ilkay Gundogan’s dummy gave Silva area for a low shot from 12 yards that was pushed away by Sa.
Unusually sloppy on the again, Guardiola’s aspect had been nearly breached once more when Semedo sprinted by a gaping gap within the guests’ defence, solely to be denied by Ederson’s save.
Metropolis aid
Guardiola was an image of frustration as he prowled and scowled on the touchline.
Savinho’s air-shot drew mocking cheers from Wolves followers, however Gvardiol silenced the locals within the thirty third minute.
Taking possession on the sting of the Wolves space, the Croatian defender regarded as much as set his sights earlier than unleashing an excellent roller that whistled into the highest nook.
Gvardiol’s fifth purpose in his final seven away league video games was the prelude to a interval of Metropolis strain that stored Wolves penned inside their very own space till half-time.
Haaland had scored eight objectives in his 4 earlier league appearances in opposition to Wolves, averaging a purpose as soon as each 40 minutes.
He was much more nameless this time and it took 49 minutes earlier than he lastly had an opportunity, which the 24-year-old squandered with an entire miskick from eight yards.
Confronted with Wolves’ massed defence, Metropolis centre-back Ruben Dias tried his luck with a 25-yard drive that was effectively saved by Sa.
Matheus Cunha was near placing Wolves again forward in opposition to the run of play with a fizzing drive that was simply astray.
Gundogan’s free-kick deflected vast and Jack Grealish’s drive was held by Sa as Metropolis stored probing away earlier than lastly snatching the winner.
Stones rose to go house from a nook, with Silva initially blocking Sa’s view and briefly making contact with the keeper earlier than ducking down because the ball flew previous him.
The purpose was initially disallowed however VAR instructed Kavanagh to test the pitchside monitor and he overturned his determination as Guardiola and his gamers danced a relieved jig of pleasure.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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