Manchester City Return to Winning Ways Against Wolves in VAR-Fueled Clash
Manchester City have finally broken their winless streak in the Premier League, claiming a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Etihad Stadium. This result marks City's first three points since late December, providing a much-needed boost after a run of disappointing performances. For Wolves, the defeat ends an impressive five-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, though they remain rooted to the bottom of the table.
Controversial VAR Decision Sparks Guardiola's Fury
The match was dominated by a rare and contentious VAR intervention involving a handball incident. In the first half, City's Omar Marmoush controlled a lofted pass from Abdukodir Khusanov and turned defender Yerson Mosquera, with the ball appearing to strike Mosquera's left elbow. Referee Farai Hallam, making his Premier League debut, was instructed by VAR to review the incident at the pitchside monitor.
Despite the scrutiny, Hallam upheld his original decision not to award a penalty, deeming Mosquera's arm to be in a natural position as he was running. This outcome – a rarity in the VAR era where on-field calls are often overturned – incensed Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who was seen remonstrating angrily with fourth official Ian Hussin.
Guardiola's frustration was palpable throughout, culminating in a sarcastic exchange with Hallam at the final whistle as the two shook hands.
Semenyo and Marmoush Seal the Points for City
On the pitch, City's victory was secured by first-half goals from two of their standout performers. The opener arrived when Matheus Nunes delivered a precise cross from the right flank, allowing Omar Marmoush to dart into the box and stab home. This marked Marmoush's first league goal since August, providing an immediate impact after being recalled to the starting lineup.
City doubled their advantage in added time before the interval, with Bernardo Silva slipping a clever through-ball to Antoine Semenyo. The Ghanaian forward showcased his skill, jinking inside defender Ladislav Krejci before finishing calmly for his third goal in just four appearances since joining the club.
The contributions of Marmoush and Semenyo were particularly crucial given Guardiola's bold team selection, which saw Erling Haaland dropped for the first time due to form and Phil Foden omitted from the starting eleven after 19 consecutive league starts.
Wolves' Resilient Second-Half Response
Despite the scoreline, Wolves produced a spirited second-half performance that tested City's resolve. Manager Rob Edwards made tactical changes at the break, introducing Jørgen Strand Larsen and Rodrigo Gomes, which shifted 18-year-old Mateus Mané into a midfield role.
Mané, who has been instrumental in Wolves' recent uplift, caused constant problems for City's defence with his creativity and dribbling. His dangerous crosses and set-pieces forced goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma into action, while his trickery on the left flank created several promising opportunities.
Wolves' improvement in the second period highlighted the progress Edwards has made since taking charge, with the team showing greater cohesion and attacking threat compared to their early-season struggles.
Defensive Solidity and Debut Delight
At the back, Manchester City recorded a clean sheet thanks in part to an assured debut from centre-back Marc Guéhi. The summer signing slotted seamlessly into the defence, helping to nullify Wolves' attacking threats alongside his defensive partners.
City's backline was tested during Wolves' second-half resurgence but held firm under pressure, with Donnarumma making important saves to preserve the shutout. This defensive resilience will please Guardiola as much as the attacking output, providing a foundation for City to build upon as they look to climb the Premier League table.
The victory moves Manchester City up the standings and injects momentum into their campaign, while Wolves will take encouragement from their performance despite the defeat as they continue their fight against relegation.
