Stones nicks it at the death

John Stones scored another late goal to hand Manchester City a controversial 2-1 win at Wolves.

England centre-half Stones, who also netted a 98th-minute leveller at home to Arsenal last month, rose highest to head home Phil Foden’s right-wing corner deep into stoppage time and deny Wolves a point they arguably deserved for a brave rearguard action in which goalkeeper Jose Sa and centre-half Craig Dawson were superb.

The goal was checked by VAR for a potential offside against Bernardo Silva, but he was adjudged to not be in Sa’s eyeline and the goal stood, much to Wolves’ anger.

John Stones wins it in the 95th minute! 💥 pic.twitter.com/VIvAPDeNGL

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 20, 2024

The home side went ahead after seven minutes through Jorgen Strand Larsen but City levelled just after the half-hour mark through a brilliant strike from Josko Gvardiol.

City dominated the second half but looked as though they would be frustrated until Stones’ late intervention.

The result means Pep Guardiola’s men move two points clear of Liverpool, who host Chelsea in the late game.

Strand Larsen strikes

Wolves had lost all three of their previous home games in the Premier League this season so it came as a major shock when they went ahead from their first attack of note.

Some neat play in midfield saw the ball played out to Nelson Semedo down the right flank and his inviting cross eluded the backtracking City defenders and Strand Larsen was on hand to slot home at the far post.

City almost equalised within two minutes but Sa made the first of a strong of outstanding saves, diving low to his right to palm clear Silva’s snapshot.

Wolves were defending deep but still carried a threat on the break and they ought to have doubled their advantage after 18 minutes when Semedo was played clean through but his shot was well saved by Ederson.

Glorious Gvardiol

City’s monopoly of possession finally paid dividends after 33 minutes when Gvardiol received the ball on the edge of the box and curled a wonderful shot into the top right-hand corner.

The visitors could have gone into halftime in front but Sa produced another brilliant save to keep out Savinho’s effort.

And Sa, only playing due to an injury to regular number one Sam Johnstone, denied City again after 53 minutes, keeping out Ruben Dias’ 25-yarder.

Ilkay Gundogan saw a free-kick deflected wide, Savinho shot over and Sa saved well from substitute Jack Grealish as Wolves kept City out.

It looked as through Gary O’Neil’s side would collect just their second point of the season as the seconds ticked down but a succession of corners eventually told as Stones powered home a header to spark wild scenes from the travelling supporters.