John Stones’ last-gasp header in Manchester City’s latest outing was ultimately allowed to stand after VAR concluded that teammate Bernardo Silva did not obstruct Wolves goalie Jose Sa’s line of sight. Despite the linesman initially raising his flag for offside, Stones’ crucial 95th-minute header clinched the win for the reigning Premier League champs.
Ref Chris Kavanagh, prompted by VAR, conducted an on-pitch review and decided to acknowledge the goal.
While the City squad rejoiced at their triumph, the Wolverhampton Wanderers camp was left to rue what might have been, with Manager Gary O’Neil visibly exasperated by the turn of events. During the corner taken by Phil Foden, Silva’s interference was under scrutiny; however, when Stones connected with the ball, it was determined that the Portuguese maestro had not impeded the goalkeeper.
The official word from the Premier League Match Centre confirmed the intricate details of the sequence: “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’ defence had been under siege, particularly during stoppage time as they desperately attempted to secure a point. Yet their resistance was finally broken, marking their seventh defeat in the campaign, reports the Mirror.
Wolves’ early lead at Molineux wasn’t enough as Jorgen Strand Larsen’s left-footed effort from Nelson Semedo’s cross was overshadowed by a stunning strike from City’s Josko Gvardiol. Despite limited visits to City’s area, Wolves managed a solid defence for the most of the match.
The game remained locked until John Stones broke through with a stoppage-time goal after persistent pressure from the Manchester side. Reflecting on the victory, Stones said: “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,” and added, “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.”
He also admitted his initial confusion, saying “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.”
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola expressed his surprise at the linesman’s initial decision with “Of course I didn’t understand it,” shared after the match.
“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 expressed his frustration, comparing the decision to award the goal to a similar situation when his side had a goal disallowed against West Ham last season. “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 we 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.”
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