Premier League release statement after Man City awarded controversial winner vs Wolves

 

Manchester City earned a stoppage time victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers thanks to John Stones' last gasp header that required VAR to intervene before being awarded for Pep Guardiola's side

The Premier League have revealed John Stone's header stood after it was decided Manchester City teammate Bernando Silva was not in the line of sight of Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa.

After initially seeing the flag raised for offside, Stones' 95th-minute goal secured victory for the Premier League champions. Referee Chris Kavanagh was told by VAR to undertake an on-field review of the decision and ultimately gave the verdict to award the goal.

While City's stars were left to celebrate, Wolverhampton Wanderers were left frustrated that their defensive efforts had been for naught. Manager Gary O'Neil was left tearing his hair out after seeing the decision go against his side.

Sa had been forced to deal with Silva's antics as Phil Foden swung in the ball from a corner but by the time Stones met the ball with his head, the Portuguese star was deemed to not have disturbed the goalkeeper. 

Premier League Match Centre said: "Stones’ goal was disallowed on-field due to Bernardo Silva being in an offside position and in the goalkeeper’s line of vision. The VAR deemed Bernardo Silva wasn’t in the line of vision and had no impact on the goalkeeper and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned his original decision and a goal was awarded."

Wolves had already defended a barrage of corners in stoppage time as they looked to hang on for a point. They were unable to clear the ball a final time to suffer their seventh defeat of the season.

The home side had taken the lead early in the match at Molineux when Jorgen Strand Larsen converted Nelson Semedo's cross with his left foot after seven minutes. Wolves saw few other forays into City's box but defended capably for much of the match.

It required a sensational effort from outside of the box by Josko Gvardiol to breach the Midlands team as the sides went into half-time level. City maintained pressure on their opposition and were eventually rewarded for their efforts when Stones found the net in stoppage time.

Goalscorer Stones believes the officials ultimately came to the correct decision. "We have been trying super hard to improve our set pieces and make the most of them. Today was a new focus and attitude towards them," he said.

Hopefully this is the start of many more. It is a vital part of the game at both ends of the pitch and really pleasing for me personally to get the winner after such a difficult game.

thought it had been chalked off. I tried to speak to the ref but he had a lot of people around him. For me it is the right call. Obviously I am going to be biased but I think it should stand."

Pep Guardiola was surprised by the linesman's intial flag. "Of course I didn't understand it," he said after the game.

Linesman, I don't know the reason why he did it. but Bernardo [Silva] isn't disturbing the position. It was difficult in the first moment. Today in modern football they starve the keeper. In the moment what happened [Jose] Sa had the perfect vision. The taker from Phil [Foden] and the header [by John Stones] were magnificent."

Wolves boss O'Neil was left more frustrated and compared the decision to award the goal to when his side saw an effort ruled out against West Ham. "It was similar to a goal [Wolves had disallowed] against West Ham last season," he told Sky Sports

"We sent an image to referees showing with proof that the West Ham keeper could see the ball, but the reason were given was the player was in close proximity. The same argument could be said here but we just have to accept it.

"I would rather not discuss it because it will still sound like I am making excuses. Whatever decision they make, I respect. We don't want to cross that line, but it did feel like a harsh one. I am proud of the players though. An unbelievable effort and we gave ourselves a great chance. I am gutted for the players that we had to leave with nothing."

Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £216 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

With Ultra HD included at no extra cost, football fans can enjoy the 2024/25 season with crystal clear picture quality.