Man City 5 Wolves 1
With Arsenal having won earlier in the day, this was a must-win game for Pep Guardiola’s side. Wolves were without their manager for the game as Gary O’Neil was serving a one match touchline ban. That said, he was in communication with the bench as he was all mic’d up in the stands.
The game did not start well for the visitors as Ait-Nouri made a clumsy challenge on Gvardiol at the back post. The referee pointed to the spot and seeing the replay, it seemed the City defender had clattered into the Wolves player. Nevertheless, the decision stood.
Haaland stepped up to take the resulting penalty and made no mistake as he sent the keeper the wrong way and slotted home. It relieved some of the tension in The Etihad as they tried to chase down league-leaders Arsenal.
Silva crossed to pick out Haaland but his header was brilliantly saved by Jose Sa. The big Norwegian was not to be denied as moments later Rodri found him and this time he headed into the far corner to double the lead for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Credit: @ManCity
Erling Haaland was causing all sorts of problems for the visitors. As he ran clean through on goal, a challenge by Semedo took him down. The referee opted to not give it but after a VAR review, he changed his decision and awarded Man City another penalty.
The keeper went the right way this time but Haaland’s penalty was too well struck into the bottom corner of the goal to do anything about it. City’s frontman had bagged himself a first-half hat-trick when it mattered most to them.
The visitors made a positive start to the second half as Ederson flapped at Bellegarde’s cross. The ball dropped to Hwang at the back post who swept it into the back of the net to silence the home faithful. Gary O’Neil hoped this was the start of his side’s comeback in this game.
Foden played a sublime ball from his own half to pick out Haaland. He cut inside Kilman onto his left foot before rifling his shot into the top corner. He was tormenting the Wolves’ defence and they could not cope with him.
Haaland almost added a fifth but Jose Sa made a great one-handed save to deny him. As a cross was played into the box, the Norwegian was already in the air going through the motions to volley home but Toti got a pivotal touch to take the ball beyond him.
Guardiola then opted to substitute his striker and he was not a happy boy. The pair had some words on the touchline as he came off but this seems to be a regular thing in the Premier League now. The top players are never happy at not being involved.
Credit: @premierleague
Alvarez put the icing on the cake as he slotted past Jose Sa to make it five. This had been a dominant performance by the defending champions. It sent a message to Arsenal, Man City are not planning on dropping any points between now and the end of the season.
Did you enjoy this article? Please share to your social media. With one click you can help spread the word and make Solid at the Back the one-stop shop for all Premier League fans.