Wolves’ miserable start to the season was compounded by late heartbreak against Manchester City, as John Stones netted a controversial stoppage-time winner to earn all three points for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Jorgen Strand Larsen had put the hosts ahead with the first ten minutes, when he finished off a fast counter-attack that sent Molineux into raptures.
Josko Gvardiol equalised in spectacular fashion for the Citizens, as he sent a powerful strike from just outside the 18-yard box past Jose Sa just after the half-hour mark.
Wolves remain rooted to the foot of the Premier League table, with just a solitary point from their opening eight encounters, while City were nudged off top spot by Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield.
Wolves Player Ratings:
Jose Sa - 8
Reinstated in the starting XI following Sam Johnstone’s injury, Sa highlighted his excellent shot-stopping ability throughout the match.
The 31-year-old made a number of memorable saves, which included a pair of low stops in the first-half from Bernardo Silva and Savinho.
Sa’s outstanding performance has undoubtedly posed a question to Gary O’Neil as to whether he has earned the right to remain to between the sticks when Johnstone returns from injury.
Nelson Semedo - 7
The right-back set up the opening goal of the clash brilliantly with a whipped cross that gave Larsen a simple chance to finish past Ederson.
This highlighted Semedo’s attacking qualities when the 30-year-old operates as a wing-back rather than a full-back, with the added freedom to create chances.
Despite this, Jeremy Doku did pose problems on his side in the first half, and Wolves could have been punished without Sa’s crucial saves.
Santiago Bueno - 7
Bueno came into the side off the back of two starts for Uruguay in the international break, a 1-0 defeat to Peru and a 0-0 stalemate against Ecuador.
The 25-year-old showed a performance full of effort and heart against City’s star-studded attacking line-up, and rarely looked under pressure throughout.
Bueno also played his part in Wolves’ goal, as he threaded an excellent ball out to Semedo which him the chance to cross for Larsen.
Craig Dawson - 7
Dawson looked extremely solid against Erling Haaland, whose involvement in City’s play was very limited, as the Norwegian failed to register a shot in the entire contest.
The switch to a back three clearly benefitted all three central defenders, after Brentford put five past Wolves’ back four last time out.
Toti Gomes - 7
Similar to his defensive partners, Toti put in a very solid performance and worked well to help shut out Haaland.
He also made a very notable block on his own line in the first-half, when City looked at their most dangerous.
Rayan Ait-Nouri - 6
The Algerian defended well against Savinho in the first half and Jack Grealish in the second period, limiting crosses into the box.
The 23-year-old was not able to show his usual attacking flair, but did highlight his resilience and defensive ability when under serious pressure.
Mario Lemina - 6
Lemina was not allowed to get forward like he has got used to doing for Wolves in previous months but the Gabon international was tireless in his defensive work all afternoon.
Andre - 6
Like pretty much every member of the Wolves side, a performance full of heart and effort that almost earned a priceless point.
His substitution was not a surprise after the 23-year-old featured twice for Brazil in the international break, but he showed the tenacity against the champions that has made him so highly rated.
Joao Gomes - 7
The nature of the Brazilian’s combative style suited the contest against City, as constant tackles and blocks made it difficult for the visitors’ midfield to find any space at Molineux.
Despite a lack of the ball for the entire Wolves side, this performance highlighted the other side of Gomes’ game, which was a key reason as to why Gary O’Neil’s men almost earned a point.
Matheus Cunha - 6
Cunha did not have a major impact on this performance due to a lack of possession for Wolves, but did get a few chances to draw fouls and run at City defenders.
His one chance came in the second half but his low effort from just outside the box drifted a few yards wide of the post.
The Norwegian took his chance well, as he found space in the away defence and finished in composed fashion from close-range.
His third goal in what has been a very poor start to the season for the club; Larsen’s blossoming partnership with Cunha has been one of the few bright sparks for the Wolves faithful so far this campaign.
Substitutes
Tommy Doyle - 6
The former City man performed well after he replaced Andre at the break, and played with composure in the midfield despite a lack of time on the ball.
Carlos Forbs - 6
Forbs understandably found it difficult to get involved in play with his team camped inside their own half for the latter period of the game, but did attempt show his pace and trickery on a couple of occasions.
Goncalo Guedes - 6
Jean-Richner Bellegarde - N/A
