John Stones celebrates his late winner for Man City against Wolves.
(Image: Getty Images)

Man City receive new verdict amid John Stones VAR controversy vs Wolves

by · Manchester Evening News

Micah Richards understands why Wolves may feel aggrieved by John Stones' late winner for Manchester City on Sunday afternoon in their Premier League showdown at Molineux.

Jorgen Strand Larsen gave Wolves a shock early lead as Gary O'Neil's strugglers looked for their first victory in the Premier League this season. But a stunning strike from Josko Gvardiol on the half-hour mark drew City level before Stones' stoppage-time winner from a corner.

Stones' goal was disallowed on-field due to Bernardo Silva being in an offside position and, seemingly, also in the goalkeeper's line of vision. But VAR deemed Silva wasn't in the line of vision and had no impact on the goalkeeper and recommended a review - which in turn resulted in the goal standing to City's delight.

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And Richards has some sympathy for Wolves, although the one-time City defender admits he wanted the goal to stand due to their being minimal contact.

"I would like to see a goal given for this because I don't think there's too much contact - but the fact of the matter is he's [Bernardo Silva] still in the goalkeeper's way," Richards told Sky Sports.

"It has affected the play in my opinion. We go back to consistency.

"Sometimes you see them given and sometimes they're not. It's just the nudge that sends him off-balance and he's not set. So I understand why Wolves would feel aggrieved with this particular moment."

City's victory has put them top of the Premier League table before Liverpool kick-off against Chelsea. The reigning champions are now three points clear of Arsenal, who suffered a shock 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth the day before, while having William Saliba sent-off at the Vitality Stadium.

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