City Sneak Past Wolves in Nail-Biting Finish
Man City, the reigning Premier League champions, had to dig deep to secure a 1-0 victory over Wolves on a chilly Saturday afternoon at the Etihad. It wasn't pretty, but a late goal from Erling Haaland proved to be the difference in a game that felt like it could go either way.
From the kickoff, Wolves made it clear they weren't there to just roll over. They pressed high and made life difficult for City's midfielders, forcing them to play long balls and try to find Haaland in the box. The Norwegian striker was a constant threat, but Wolves' defense was organized and determined.
The first half was a tense affair, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances. The best opportunity came from a free-kick just outside the box, but Kevin De Bruyne's shot was brilliantly saved by Jose Sa. City were frustrated, and their frustration seemed to seep into their play, leading to some sloppy passes and poor decisions.
The second half was much the same, with both sides battling for every inch of the pitch. Wolves, with their counter-attacking threat, had a few chances of their own, but Ederson was up to the task. As the clock ticked down, it looked like the game was destined for a draw. But then, in the 87th minute, Kevin De Bruyne's cross found Haaland, and the striker powered a header past Sa to send the Etihad crowd into raptures.
The final whistle was met with a mixture of relief and jubilation from the City faithful. While it wasn't the most dominant performance, it was a vital win for Pep Guardiola's side as they look to maintain their lead at the top of the table. Wolves, meanwhile, will rue their missed chances and the late goal that sunk their hopes.
This win keeps City's title hopes alive, but it's clear they'll need to find their rhythm and consistency if they want to win back-to-back Premier League crowns. It was a tough, gritty win, the kind that you need when you're chasing a trophy.