Manchester City hosted Wolverhampton Wanderers in a crucial match for Champions League qualification. The game held little significance for the visitors, as their Premier League survival was already secured, but with four matches remaining in the season, Pep Guardiola fielded his strongest lineup to secure the three points.

Manchester City lineup: Ederson, Nunes, Dias, Guardiol, O’Reilly, Gündoğan, Silva, Kovačić, Doku, De Bruyne, Mermoush

Wolves lineup: José Sá, Doherty, Aït-Nouri, Toti Gomes, Nelson Semedo, João Gomes, André, Aït-Nouri, Matheus Cunha, Bellegarde, Matheus Cunha

City started the game well, but in the third minute, Cunha surprised the hosts with a shot that deflected off a City defender and went out. This was the first real threat of the match.

City circulated the ball at a high tempo, leaving Wolves with little possession. For long stretches, the game was played in midfield, and City’s first real chance came in the 14th minute with a Mermoush shot that was saved by Wolves’ goalkeeper.

City then threatened twice in the 20th minute through De Bruyne and Doku, but neither effort found the net. Three minutes later, Wolves wasted an incredible opportunity in a three-on-one situation after a poor pass from Bellegarde to Cunha, who had only Ederson to beat.

Finally, in the 35th minute, De Bruyne broke the deadlock, putting City ahead 1-0. The score remained unchanged until halftime.

Wolves started the second half stronger and pushed for an equalizer. After a few half-chances, Cunha came close to leveling the score, but his shot unluckily hit the post. Two minutes later, Wolves appealed for a penalty after Cunha went down in the box, but the referee was unconvinced.

In the 68th minute, City nearly doubled their lead when Doku set up Mermoush, but his shot went over the bar. Five minutes later, the referee reviewed a potential red-card offense by Aït-Nouri on Bernardo Silva but ultimately decided against issuing a red card.

The final quarter of the match passed without major incidents, and City defended their lead well by controlling midfield. Ultimately, City secured the win with a 1-0 scoreline, temporarily moving up to third place with 64 points, above Newcastle.

Goal Description:

De Bruyne in the 35th minute; Man City 1-0 Wolves: Following a good run and cross from Doku on the left, the ball fell to De Bruyne, who struck it precisely into the net.