Manchester City's John Stones scored their second goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League at Molineux Stadium in Britain on Sunday. — Reuters
Manchester City defender John Stones headed a controversial stoppage-time winner in a 2-1 victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, propelling them to the top of the Premier League and setting a club record of 31 league games unbeaten. The reigning champions dominated possession throughout the match at Molineux, but were stunned in the seventh minute when a precise cross from Nelson Semedo was met with a calm finish by Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Semedo missed a golden opportunity to extend Wolves' lead in a one-on-one situation that was saved by Ederson, before City defender Josko Gvardiol found space and curled a stunning shot past Jose Sa for a well-deserved 33rd-minute equaliser. Stones' late goal from a corner was subject to a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check for a possible offside by Bernardo Silva in front of the goalkeeper, but it was allowed, much to the delight of manager Pep Guardiola and the travelling fans.
"I'm really pleased to win in that fashion and get on the scoresheet again," said Stones, who also scored a late equaliser against Arsenal last month. "It was a tough game. I've got to give credit to Wolves, how they stopped us creating chances, made it difficult for us in the final third," he added.
City moved to the top of the league on goal difference with 20 points, two above Liverpool who face Chelsea later on Sunday and could reclaim top spot with a win. Wolves, bottom with one point and without a win this season, are facing a relegation battle unless they can start securing victories. Their manager Gary O'Neil was incensed at the end of the game, after his team had defended valiantly against City's relentless pressure.
Referee Chris Kavanagh initially disallowed Stones' goal, believing Silva had obstructed goalkeeper Sa's line of sight, but VAR ruled otherwise. When Kavanagh reviewed the footage at the side of the pitch, he reversed his decision, drawing jeers from the home fans.
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