A header from John Stones in the 95th minute, off a corner kick in what seemed like the last chance of the game, saved Manchester City from a slip-up at Wolverhampton. The Wolves had struck early and parked the bus, relying on the heroic saves of José Sá on a day when Erling Haaland was notably absent from the action.

It's a period of uncertainty for Manchester City, who have had to grind out hard-fought victories, often coming from behind in five of their last seven matches. Without their captain Rodri and the creative mastermind Kevin De Bruyne, and with Pep Guardiola’s future unclear due to the end of Txiki Begiristain’s era, the team faced another test.

City started poorly, aiming to capitalize on Arsenal's earlier slip-up. Though they never truly feared defeat, frustration grew as they failed to break through, despite dominating with 78% possession and firing 22 shots. At a ground where they lost last season, City faced a Wolves side led by O’Neil, who resorted to a three-man defense after conceding 21 goals in just seven games. The Wolves’ plan was simple: defend deep and counterattack with speed.

Wolves didn’t seek possession or passes in City's half, but they struck early with a swift counter. After just seven minutes, Nelson Semedo found space behind Gvardiol and delivered a perfect cross for Larsen, who was unmarked at the far post, leaving Rico Lewis chasing shadows.

City, now used to such scenarios, didn’t panic. They launched attack after attack, looking for solutions from wide areas through Savinho and Doku, though Haaland remained quiet. The real danger came from shots, with Bernardo Silva testing José Sá, who began his goalkeeping exhibition with a diving save.

Wolves packed their box with seven or eight players at all times, frustrating City even further. Remarkably, Wolves came close to doubling their lead in a rare chance when Semedo’s exhaustion let him down in a one-on-one with Ederson.

When City increased the tempo, they created more chances. Toti cleared a Bernardo Silva shot off the line, and Doku’s perfect cutback somehow didn’t find Haaland. It was Gvardiol who finally broke through with a trademark goal, curling a stunning shot into the top corner from the edge of the box.

Sá kept City from completing the comeback before halftime, denying Savinho’s low drive with another fine save. The second half followed the same script, but Haaland missed his only clear chance.

Wolves were on the back foot, focusing entirely on defense, with Sá making another crucial save, this time from Ruben Dias. Forbs had a rare chance but failed to hit the target. City dominated possession, but time was running out, and frustration was building after Savinho's miss.

Guardiola turned to Foden and Grealish off the bench, but City struggled for ideas in the final third. As the clock ticked down, Grealish fired a shot, and Bernardo hit the side netting. Then, after four consecutive corners, Foden delivered the cross, and Stones, rising at the near post, powered a header in to secure the win.