Wolves were on the wrong end of an extremely harsh decision at the Etihad
Manchester City made sure they would stay top of the Premier League at the end of the weekend after seeing off a stubborn Wolves side with a 1-0 win at the Etihad.
City dominated possession but struggled to break down Bruno Lage’s side in the first half.
They were, however, given a boost by Raul Jimenez’s bizarre sending off shortly before halftime. The Mexican was booked for a challenge on Rodri, then received a second yellow card seconds later for attempting to block the free-kick being taken.
City’s winner came courtesy of a Raheem Sterling penalty, but the decision which saw it awarded was extremely controversial.
Jon Moss deemed that a cross from City’s right struck Joao Moutinho on the arm, which had been raised at the time. Having pointed to the spot, the decision was upheld after a VAR review – despite the fact replays showed that the ball hit Moutinho on the side before ricocheting onto his arm.
Raheem Sterling bags his 100th goal in the Premier League from the penalty spot! âš½
The composure 🥶 pic.twitter.com/YySL5BPfjK
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 11, 2021
City failed to build on their lead, with Lage describing the call as “very, very strange,” in his post-match interview with BT Sport.
“No penalty for me,” he said when asked for his verdict. “For me it’s very strange, the referee decision and also the VAR decision. Very, very strange.
“Most of the time I protect VAR. VAR is very good for modern football, but you need to understand.
“Okay, he put his arm up and made his body bigger, but where did the ball touch? It was his body. ”
"Referee decision and also VAR decision, very, very strange."
"The first yellow card, he didn't touch that man!"
A clearly frustrated Bruno Lage reacts as his Wolves side lost 1-0 away to Man City.
🎙 @TheDesKelly pic.twitter.com/awdYy5gUK4
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 11, 2021
Related links:
- Raul Jimenez sent off after two yellows cards in 48 seconds
- Pep Guardiola claims Man City are facing a player ’emergency’
- Pep Guardiola rules out managing another club in England
