Manchester City snatched a crucial three points against Wolves on Sunday, capitalising on title rivals Arsenal being beaten by Bournemouth earlier this weekend.
John Stones headed a 95th minute header past Jose Sa to steal the win and complete the comeback for Pep Guardiola’s side after Wolves took a shock lead at Molineux after nine minutes through Jorgen Strand Larsen following a sensational cross from Nelson Semedo.
Josko Gvardiol equalised with his second goal of the season, curling his strike into the top corner after 33 minutes.
Here is how Express Sport rated Manchester City’s players.
Ederson – 7
Very little he could have done to keep out the opener before making a huge save to keep the score at 1-0 after Semedo was released through on goal in what felt like a momentum-shifting moment in the game. Enjoyed a quiet second half.
Rico Lewis – 6
Could have done more to track Larsen’s run for Wolves’ opener but responded with several important challenges. Drifted into attacking central areas frequently but was unable to make an impact in the final third.
John Stones – 7
Could have done more to block Larsen from strolling into the City penalty area unmarked in the first half but answered every question asked of him afterwards. Rose well to head home the late winner and send his side to the top of the table.
Ruben Dias – 6
Questions will be raised about whether he could have blocked Semedo’s cross but they may be far-fetched. Drove the ball forward well when required to join the attacks.
Josko Gvardiol – 8
Another impressive performance from the Croatian. Did well to put Semedo under pressure as he bared down on goal before equalising with a sensational strike in the first half. Continued to be an attacking threat in the second half too.
Mateo Kovacic – 5
Kept play ticking but his overall play lacked the zip and tempo required to break Wolves down, who also found it easy to bypass the ex-Chelsea star on the counter-attack.
Ilkay Gundogan – 5
The Germany international struggled to make his mark on the game despite receiving the ball in several good areas and lacked the creativity required to unlock the Wolves backline. Others would have proved more effective in his role and he was fortunate to play the full 90 minutes.
Bernardo Silva – 5
Like Gundogan, the playmaker was given licence to drift into dangerous areas but he made very little impact. With Wolves nullifying the threat of City’s wingers, more was needed from the Portugal international and he couldn’t meet the mark.
Jeremy Doku – 6
After a slow start, Doku grew into the game and was threat down the right before the interval. The Belgium international’s decision-making let him down on occasions and he failed to make an impact in the second half, understandably being replaced.
Savinho – 7
Endured a quiet first half before switching onto the left at the break and becoming significantly more effective. Managed to get to the byline on several occasions but struggled to find a teammate in those attacking areas, often being crowded out by Gary O’Neil’s side.
Erling Haaland – 5
The striker was largely ineffective, much to the credit of the Wolves backline. Made several good runs but was the starved of the service he needed to showcase his quality.
Substitutes
Phil Foden (for Doku, ’66)
Deployed in his favoured No. 10 role, the England international struggled to get into the game and was crowded out by several defenders when receiving the ball on the edge of the penalty area.
Jack Grealish (for Savinho, ‘73) – 6
Made several good runs down the left to inject a different threat for Semedo to deal with, though his actions were not decisive.
