Manchester City secures 21st consecutive victory in all competitions
Manchester City secured it’s 21st consecutive victory in all competitions to move further clear at the top of the Premier League after a 4-1 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Etihad Stadium.
Sergio Aguero returned to the bench as leaders Manchester City made six changes. Gabriel Jesus replaced the Argentinian, who has been hampered by injury and illness this season. Wolves, unbeaten in five league games, made one change with Ki-Jana Hoever replacing Willian Jose.
Pep Guardiola’s side dominated from the first whistle and they took the lead in the 15th minute through Leander Dendoncker’s own goal. Mahrez latched onto a long ball before playing an inviting cross across the face of goal. Sterling was waiting for a tap in but Dendoncker could do nothing but turn the ball into his own net.
City thought they had a second just before the break, but Aymeric Laporte’s strike was ruled out for offside in what was an extremely tight call. Laporte had been onside when Mahrez delivered the initial cross, but he was ruled to have moved into an offside position by the time Bernardo Silva flicked it on. the score remains 1-0 at halftime.
The second half started in a similar fashion to the first with the hosts dominating as Kevin De Bruyne and Mahrez forced excellent saves from Rui Patricio. However, Wolves grabbed a surprise equaliser just after the hour mark.
Joao Moutinho clipped a free-kick into the box and Coady dived to head the ball into the net with Wolves’ first shot on goal and their first touch in the City penalty area.
However, the goal seemed to bring City back to life as they increased the tempo and reclaimed the lead with 10 minutes remaining. Wolves failed to deal with Kyle Walker’s cross and Jesus, who was in the right place at the right time, pounced to smash home from close range.
City put the result beyond doubt when Mahrez fired home their third in the 90th minute to secure all three points as the hosts
The Citizens scored a fourth goal deep into injury time, which was awarded after a VAR check for offside, as Guardiola’s men stretched their winning run in the Premier League to 15, and their unbeaten run to 19.
The victory moves Manchester City 15 points clear of Manchester United while Wolves, whose four-game unbeaten run in the league ended, stay 12th. League leaders City will host second-placed Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, while Wolves visit Aston Villa on Saturday.
“We were fantastic. After 1-1 we suffered but we created lots of chances in the end,” Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said.
“Manchester United. That’s all we care [about now]. The champions are Liverpool, the crown belongs to them. We are in the best position right now to take them out and we are going to try, but they are the champions.”
“There are 33 points to play [for]. Tomorrow our opponents will play, we have one or two days off and prepare for Manchester United at home,” he added.
Chidi Nwoke.
