John Stones would have been the happiest man at the Molineux Stadium after emerging as the match-winner for Manchester City in their 2-1 win against Wolves.
Stones’ last-gasp headed goal was reminiscent of a vintage Vincent Kompany winner, who often used to come up clutch for Manchester City from set-piece situations.
Daniel Sturridge disagreed with the decision to award Stones’ goal against Wolves while Micah Richards agreed with the final call.
Pep Guardiola claimed Stones’ goal was justifiably awarded against Wolves as his Manchester City side won their sixth Premier League game of the season from eight games.
Jack Grealish hailed Stones after Manchester City beat Wolves as he celebrated his side’s latest victory.
Stones scored his second league goal of the season.
John Stones highlights Man City’s “super hard” work on set-pieces ahead of Wolves clash
The Englishman opened his account with a scrappy strike against Arsenal.
The 30-year-old was the man with the answer for Pep Guardiola’s side once again on Sunday.
After Manchester City beat Wolves, Stones revealed that his side have been working tirelessly on improving on set-pieces as a side.
The six-time Premier League winner told BBC Sport: “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.”
“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.”
Stones earned a 7/10 rating against Wolves as he impressed at centre-back against Gary O’Neill’s side.
The former Everton colossus started alongside Ruben Dias in a back four that also featured Rico Lewis and Josko Gvardiol.
The decorated defender returned to the fold after being named on the bench in City’s 3-2 against Fulham before the international break.
Stones feels awarding his winner vs Wolves was the “right call”
Stones would have had his heart in his mouth after his winning goal was initially chalked off.
At the time, the visiting players looked in disbelief.
But eventually, VAR stepped in and referee Chris Kavanagh awarded the goal as the Manchester City players were visibly ectastic.
Stones felt the final verdict was the correct call, also telling BBC Sport: “I 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.”
Bernardo Silva’s presence of mind perhaps deserves praise for moving out of the way at the right time to ensure his presence close to Jose Sa did not mean he ended up impeding the Wolves shotstopper’s line of sight.
Stones would have been delighted with Bernardo’s decision to do so as well.
The Manchester City defender’s goal could potentially be remembered as one that helped his side defend their league title.
