WOLVERHAMPTON, England: Manchester City’s controversial last-minute winner against Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday was justified and justified by his players’ patience, manager Pep Guardiola said.
As City looked set for a disappointing 1-1 draw at Molineux despite full possession, John Stones headed in a 95th-minute corner beyond the reach of Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa.
Referee Chris Kavanagh initially disallowed the goal because City midfielder Bernardo Silva was too close to Sa, but the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled he was not obstructing vision and Kavanagh reversed the decision.
“Bernardo didn’t disturb the position… Sa had perfect vision. Phil’s (Foden) corner and header were amazing,” said Guardiola, who wildly celebrated the 2-1 win, making it a club record 31 league games without lose.
“We are not used to winning games at the end of action, like Jurgen Klopp (former manager) in Liverpool where it happened many times. It is a good feeling for us,” he told the media.
Guardiola’s men had 78 percent of possession against Wolves, who are struggling at the bottom of the league and were desperate to defend once they took an early lead.
“With 11 players in the penalty box, basically it’s too difficult,” said Guardiola, recalling his side’s defeat at Molineux last season. “But we persevered… We stuck to our ways and it was too good.”
He however sympathized with the opposing team.
“We’ve been in that situation, when you lose at the end of the action. But this is the game,” said Guardiola.
“We played the way we wanted to play and it’s nice to be here, to score in the last 50 seconds and go top of the league (for a while).”
With Sparta Prague awaiting them in the Champions League early this Thursday morning, Guardiola said he did not believe injured defender Kyle Walker or midfielder Kevin De Bruyne could be ready to start.
“We have a few days to train, but I don’t think so (both will perform),” he said.