Pep Guardiola bemused by John Stones goal controversy in Manchester City win at Wolves - ‘I didn’t understand it’

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Pep Guardiola could not understand why John Stones had initially seen his late stoppage-time header ruled out at Molineux. The England defender headed home to ultimately secure a last-gasp win for Manchester City against Wolverhampton Wanderers, but the goal was initially ruled out for offside. But from the Catalan's point of view, the right decision was eventually reached.

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Pep Guardiola admitted he was bemused concerning the controversy surrounding John Stones’ late winner, as Manchester City secured a dramatic 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Stones powered home a stoppage-time header past Jose Sa to ultimately seal all three points for the reigning Premier League champions, but this was after VAR prompted referee Chris Kavanagh to check the pitch-side monitor.

The goal was initially disallowed, with Bernardo Silva deemed to be in an offside position and interfering with Sa’s vision.

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However, referee Chris Kavanagh was subsequently called over to the pitch-side monitor and reversed that call.

”Of course I didn't understand it,” Guardiola told the BBC Sport. “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.”

Guardiola also hailed the overall "outstanding" performance by his players in the Black Country against a physically imposing Wolves side.

"We are not a team that wins many games at the end or score a lot of goals from set-pieces,” he added to Sky Sports.

“But the commitment was there and the performance was outstanding because they have a lot of pace and quality upfront.

“They are aggressive, and they are strong, but we played really well with the chances we had. The impact of the players which came in were unbelievable. To win in that way, feels good.

“Our composure here was really good. Last season we lost here and they are a really strong team.

“Today they were less active, but I saw the games against Chelsea and Liverpool, where they had moments when they played really well. But I'm really pleased and that’s one less game [left]."

'Maybe there's something subconsciously'

Wolves manager Gary O'Neil hinted that there could be an element of subconscious favouritism in decision-making towards the top clubs, but disagreed that there was a deliberate agenda against his side.

Asked about City's last-minute winner in his post-match press conference, O'Neil admitted that "Manchester City scoring a last-minute winner is bigger than Wolves scoring [one]", and that could well come into a referee's subconscience when a contentious decision is to be made.

"There’s no chance that people are purposely against Wolves," O'Neil said.

"If we ever get to a place there, then the whole game is in a real bad place. There’s no chance that people are doing things against Wolves on purpose. Let’s be clear.

"But is there something in the subconscious of decision-making of, without even knowing it, you are more likely to give it to Manchester City than Wolves?

"My focus and my senses are heightened when we play Man City because of Pep and [Erling] Haaland. Are the officials the same, when it’s Haaland, when it’s Manchester City? Is there something there that - not on purpose - influences the decision-making?

"I’ve spoken to them about this as well, and they guarantee me that there isn’t, but they are human.

"Manchester City scoring a last-minute winner is a big thing. It’s bigger than Wolves scoring a last-minute goal against West Ham. Maybe there’s something subconsciously."

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