Wolves win was so important, says Pep | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola described City’s dramatic 2-1 injury time win at Wolves as a victory that was ‘so important’ in the context of our Premier League season.

On an eventful afternoon in the Black Country, City looked like having to settle for a share of the spoils with the sides locked at 1-1 deep into stoppage time.

Wolves had taken a seventh minute lead through Jorgen Strand Larsen before Josko Gvardiol levelled affairs with a stunning 32nd minute strike.

Then came a thrilling late twist in the tale when John Stones headed home a 95th minute winner, the goal initially chalked out for offside only to be awarded after a subsequent VAR check.

It was a win that sent City top for a few hours at least and also one that saw us set a new Club record of 31 games unbeaten in the Premier League.

And for the boss it was also further evidence – if any were needed – of his players’ ability to fight and find a way past every roadblock and obstacle.

“This is not the last fixture of the season but of course it’s so important,” Pep said.

“We are not used to winning that way. Like other teams we have big talent and we don’t often win in the last minutes.

“The moment the linesman raised the flag I said 'But it’s a corner, you cannot be offside.' From John, [Wolves keeper Jose] Sa is watching perfectly the action.

“To get the flavour of winning this way is so nice. The impact of the players from the bench [was good] and we were patient.

“We have to deal with the that way teams defend so deep. Literally 11 players in the box.

“I said to the players, please don’t judge. It belongs to us to break them down. When you play Tottenham, they play a different way and it’s fine.

“Every time it’s getting better, knowing that it is so difficult.”

It was also another game where City had to come from behind with Strand Larsen netting in the seventh minute to fire Wolves ahead.

City also had to overcome falling behind to Fulham, Brentford and Ipswich in the league earlier this season.

The boss said it was a concern but he also highlighted the way City had found solutions to the challenge

“I don’t like it but we start really well,” Pep stressed.

“After that first transition, we make good crosses.

“Of course, I don’t like it but I would be more concerned if we didn’t start with the right tone to compete in these types of games.

“That is football and we will be better. These kinds of difficulties make us a better team.”