Jimenez gave Moss absolutely no choice
Manchester City were given an unexpected boost in their efforts to break down a stubborn Wolves side on Saturday when Raul Jimenez picked up one of the more bizarre sending offs we’re likely to see all season.
Wolves had stifled City’s normally free-scoring forward line and, after two lengthy breaks in play for injuries, had kept the score goalless as half-time approached.
Jimenez received the first of two bookings in 48 seconds for his attempts to rob Rodri of possession inside the centre circle. Having grabbed a hold of the Spaniard’s shirt in the process, referee Jon Moss blew up for a City free-kick, showing the striker a yellow.
However, as City prepared to take the free-kick, Jimenez refused to retreat, dangling a leg out to block the ball passing him – giving Moss no choice but to show him a second yellow card.
Wolves players attempted to protest the decision but it was already too late: the decision had been made.
Raul. Mate. pic.twitter.com/6iCNDc6XqA
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) December 11, 2021
Jimenez remained rooted to the spot for several seconds before eventually ambling to the sideline, knowing he’d just made his teammates’ afternoon considerably more difficult than it needed to be.
Bruno Lage appeared furious in the Wolves technical area and, after a brief exchange with Jimenez as he made his way off the field, will likely have had plenty more to say to him at half-time.
City began the afternoon top of the league, ahead of Liverpool in second. Though a home game for Pep Guardiola’s side is usually a formality these days, a moment of madness from Jimenez might just have proved decisive on a potentially frustrating afternoon.
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