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John Stones entrenched his cult-hero status among Manchester City fans by snatching a last-gasp winner at Wolves on Sunday as the Premier League champions avoided an embarrassing draw against the division’s weakest side as they ran out 2-1 victors.
Erling Haaland would have been licking his lips before kick-off given his incredible record against Wolves, but another Norwegian was the first to strike, Jorgen Strand Larsen netting in the seventh minute.
City struck back with a typically obscene long-range strike from Josko Gvardiol to add his collection of wonder goals, and from then on the champions dominated the game and hemmed Wolves in, though Gary O’Neil’s strugglers put in a valiant defensive display.
Stones finally broke their resolve with a priceless header, a month after his late late goal saved City against Arsenal. The goal was initially disallowed due to Bernardo Silva’s positioning in front of goalkeeper Jose Sa, but VAR intervened to spark joy among City’s players.
No one could argue that Pep Guardiola’s side deserved the three points overall, but only the most heartless of souls couldn’t feel sorry for Wolves, who now have just one point from their eight games.
GOAL rates Man City’s players from Molineux…
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AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
Ederson (5/10):
Didn’t command his box well for the goal, but made himself big to thwart Semedo from making 2-0.
Rico Lewis (5/10):
A rare difficult afternoon for the teenager, who couldn’t influence the game as he liked and lacked awareness in defence.
Ruben Dias (5/10):
Passive for the goal and out of position when Semedo came haring in behind.
John Stones (7/10):
Moved ball around well to keep Wolves on their toes and delivered the fatal blow at the death.
Josko Gvardiol (7/10):
How does he keep scoring these absurd goals? Strong in attack and made a big contribution defensively by jockeying Semedo and putting him off.
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Getty Images SportMidfield
Bernardo Silva (6/10):
Had a big influence throughout with his seamless passing.
Mateo Kovacic (6/10):
Gave City control and was tidy in possession, but Rodri he is not.
Ilkay Gundogan (5/10):
City’s creative engine but his passing was not incisive enough.
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Getty Images SportAttack
Savinho (5/10):
Some nice flashes but kept on being let down by final pass or shooting. Tested Sa from long-range. Booked in first half.
Erling Haaland (3/10):
Surprisingly anonymous given his record eight goals against Wolves. Took very few touches and had no shots. Shown up by compatriot Strand Larsen.
Jeremy Doku (5/10):
A twisting run nearly led to a goal but he kept on taking wild shots, to the anger of Guardiola, who hooked him on 66 minutes.
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AFPSubs & Manager
Phil Foden (6/10)
Swung in the corner from which Stones struck.
Jack Grealish (7/10):
Gave City more penetration down the flank.
Matheus Nunes (N/A):
Booed heavily by his former supporters, but won the corner which lead to the breakthrough goal.
Pep Guardiola (6/10):
It wasn’t the best performance but his side kept on probing and his changes helped them snatch victory.
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