Manchester City survive in Premier League title race after beating Wolves
Manchester City showed good attacking production and Erling Haaland secured crucial win against Wolverhampton in Premier League Matchweek 21
Going into the game at the Eithad Stadium with the expectation of the subsequent Arsenal v Manchester United result, Manchester City’s primary aim was to overcome Wolverhampton with a safe performance.
Manager Pep Guardiola made just two changes from the win against Tottenham, with Laporte and De Bruyne returning to the starting line-up while Ake and Alvarez were moved to the bench. What drew the most attention was the absence of Phil Foden from the starting line-up.
At the other end, Julien Lopetegui made six changes after the FA Cup defeat against Liverpool. Semedo, Kilman, Bueno, Matheus and Hwang were deployed, as well as Lemina’s debut in Premier League matches. Finally, new signing Sarabia started on the bench.
Wolverhampton suffered absolute domination at the Eithad Stadium
The best news for the Citizens is that the team finally lived up to expectations of a dominant performance, as they did throughout the first half against Wolves.
Jose Sa prevented Erling Haaland‘s goal after a counter-attack from the left side of the box by spreading the ball after a low shot. In another counter-attack, De Bruyne crossed and the goalkeeper again saved the Wolves.
However, top scorer Erling Haaland again shone and secured the lead for Manchester City before the break, finishing with his head after a great cross from De Bruyne to the edge of the six-yard box.
Haaland returns to best form
Unlike the situation against their most recent opponents, Manchester City did not allow Wolverhampton anywhere near the ball, representing great news even if their finishing record is still to be raised again.
Manager Julien Lopetegui gambled on João Moutinho, Matheus Cunha and promoted the debut of Pablo Sarabia in the second half looking to bring the lines closer together. However, with only four minutes left, Gundogan was brought down in the area by Ruben Neves and Haaland extended the score.
To complete the great individual performance, Erling Haaland took advantage of Mahrez’s through ball and scored another hat-trick in the current Premier League season, returning to his best moment.
Manchester City stay very much alive in Premier League title race
The crucial win put added pressure on Manchester United and Arsenal, who met at Old Trafford in the most anticipated match of the Premier League this January.
With seven shots on target and 12 shots in total, all indications were that Pep Guardiola’s side are finally returning to their traditional attacking ways.