WATCH: Wolves coach lashes out at Manchester City's controversial late winner

On October 20, Manchester City defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 in a thrilling Premier League match with a header from John Stones in stoppage time. City's defenders Josko Gvardiol and Stones guided their team to a remarkable comeback victory at Molineux Stadium despite a sluggish start to the match. 

Jorgen Strand Larsen gave Wolves an early lead in the seventh minute taking advantage of a defensive blunder by Pep Guardiola's team, shocking the opposition by starting the game. Josef Gvardiol's incredible long-range goal in the 33rd minute gave City the equalizer after they were behind and finding it difficult to overcome a staunch Wolves defense.

John Stones stepped up in the last seconds of extra time, heading in a thrilling victory for City. After a stressful VAR review, the goal was finally confirmed, giving City the vital three points. John Stones headed Phil Foden's corner in the 95th minute to increase City's winning streak to a club-record 31 games, but Bernardo Silva struck Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa as the ball was headed into the box. Wolves are upset because their equalizer against West Ham last season was almost exactly the same.

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"Are you more likely to give it to Manchester City than Wolves?" 👀

Gary O'Neil questions whether there is a subconscious bias to award decisions to 'bigger clubs' 🤨 pic.twitter.com/GMp4Oivhuz

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 21, 2024

The goal was first not allowed because Bernardo Silva was offside, but referee Chris Kavanagh reversed the ruling after observing the pitchside monitor and concluding that the playmaker was not interfering. Wolves, who in a spearheaded effort got VAR eliminated over the summer, only managed one point from their first eight games as a result of the marginal call.

A tough blow for the team - Garry O'Neil

After Manchester City won during the stoppage time under dubious circumstances, Wolves manager Gary O'Neil questioned whether referees subconsciously favor the "big guy." O'Neil maintains that match referees are not intentionally giving City tight judgments, but rather believe they are doing so unconsciously. 

O'Neil described the decision to allow the winner as "a tough blow," especially considering the similarities to the time Wolves' equalizer at West Ham in the 99th minute was disallowed in April under similar circumstances; at that time, Wolves forward Tawanda Chirewa was judged to have blocked goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski's view.