Wolverhampton Wanderers, Specter of Manchester City

DBasia.news –  Wolverhampton Wanderers won 3-2 over Manchester City in Week 19 of the Premier League. Wolves have beaten City twice this season.

The Citizens – City nickname – lost 2-3, Saturday (28/12) early morning Western Indonesian Time. The drama had occurred when Ederson was sent off in the 12th minute. However, Man City had a 2-0 lead through goals scored by Raheem Sterling (25′ and 50′).

But the moment of Wolves comeback occurred at minute 55 ‘via a goal scored by Adama Traore. After the goal, Raul Jimenez (82′) and Matt Doherty (89’) reversed the situation to 3-2. It was City’s fifth defeat this season in the Premier League.

Ederson’s red card in the 12th minute changed everything – even though Man City had a 0-2 lead. Playing with 10 players makes it difficult for City. Ederson was sent off for coming out of the penalty box, trying to take the ball, but breaking Diogo Jota when he did.

“Eighty minutes playing with ten players is very difficult, very stressful. We can not maintain the results even though we had two goals ahead,” said Pep Guardiola, quoted by BBC Sport.

“We have to think about the next match and about winning our game. It’s not realistic to think about it (chasing Liverpool). We won’t think too much about it, because in 48 hours we have another match,” he explained.

Another greatness of Wolves besides the victory can be seen from the unique statistics. Wolves dominate 63 percent possession, releasing 20 kicks and eight of them on target. Man City only has 37 percent possession, releasing seven (experimental) kicks and three on target.

Nuno Espirito Santo, manager of Wolves, became the manager with a record number of big wins against Pep Guardiola’s team. Guardiola has fought a total of 35 coaches with a record of at least five matches and he only has 20 percentage wins over Santo.

That number is the lowest and Wolves have beaten City twice this season. At Etihad Stadium, Wolves also won with a score of 2-0.

“I spoke to the players during the break (first half) to keep pressing in the second half. However, we conceded again at the start of the second half. I am proud of the players’ reaction after being left behind,” said Santo.

“I will not be disappointed if Wolves lose this match because we have played very well and according to what we want,” he explained.

According to Opta records, Wolves became the second team to beat Guardiola’s team twice in the Premier League after Chelsea in the 2016-17 season. Wolves are currently in fifth place with 30 points, eight points adrift of City in third and two points with Chelsea in fourth.