Following Manchester City’s thrilling 95th-minute triumph over Wolves, Pep Guardiola couldn’t help but poke fun at his erstwhile adversary Jurgen Klopp. The disputed late goal by John Stones, which was first given credit for offside but was later overturned by VAR, gave City the victory at Molineux, 2-1. The Premier League’s worst team, Wolves, put up a strong fight, and until Stones’ last-minute heroics, the game looked to be headed to a draw.
After the game, Guardiola made a lighthearted comparison between City’s late victory and the kind of dramatic wins Klopp’s Liverpool team has been known for, speaking to the BBC.
“We are not accustomed to coming out on top in close games; like Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, it has happened frequently. It’s a fantastic flavor for us. It’s rare that City needs that kind of late drama to win points.“
The Debate Regarding the Objective
The on-field referee first disallowed Stones’ winner because he thought Bernardo Silva was interfering with Wolves goalkeeper José Sá. Silva had been warned for offside. Nevertheless, the goal was awarded following a VAR review since Silva was found not to have obstructed Sá’s view.
Guardiola’s remark is a playful continuation of his long-standing rivalry with Klopp, whose Liverpool team frequently produced amazing comeback wins in their Premier League title matches. Guardiola’s normal dominance may not have been evident in City’s late display, but the victory keeps them on course as they begin their title defense.
The rivalry between Klopp and Guardiola is intensified by this lighthearted jab, despite the managers’ continued regard for one another’s accomplishments.
