“So proud” – Pep Guardiola and John Stones react as Manchester City evade Wolves draw with last-gasp winner | OneFootball

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was full of praise for his side after John Stones’ late header secured a dramatic, late win for the Premier League champions over Wolves.

The Premier League champions enjoyed a large spell of possession throughout but did fall behind early doors courtesy of a good team move from Gary O’Neil’s side rounded off by Jørgen Strand Larsen.

City responded with wave after wave of attacks against a resolute Wolves defence, which was breached sooner rather than later when man-of-the-moment Josko Gvardiol thumped on in from the edge of the box to pull his side level ahead of the break.

The visitors seemed destined to drop two points in what did seem a quite winnable clash on paper but John Stones rose highest from a Phil Foden corner in the dying minutes of added time to secure another late result for City.

“We have been trying super hard to improve our set pieces and make the most of them. Today was a new focus and attitude towards them,” Stones said in a post-match interview with the BBC.

Stones earned huge plaudits for drawing City level in stoppage time against title rivals Arsenal a few weeks ago – and the England international delivered the goods yet again as he repaid Guardiola’s faith after stepping into the side in place of the injured Manuel Akanji.

The 30-year-old added: “Hopefully this is the start of many more [set-piece goals]. It is a vital part of the game at both ends of the pitch and really pleasing for me personally to get the winner after such a difficult game.”

Guardiola was pleased with his team’s resolve to come back from behind and claim all three points against a stubborn Wolves side who threatened City on the counter attack on more than one occasion.

The Manchester City manager told Sky Sports: “We are not a team that win games right at the end but the performance there was outstanding. The players who came in were unbelievable and to win that way feels good.

“11 players in the 18 yard box is difficult, but the composure from everyone (was brilliant). We lost here last season, they were less active but I saw them against Liverpool and Chelsea.

“We have been in that position, when you lose at the end. But this is the game. Both sides try to do their best. They had a game plan and I am so proud. We played the way we want to play and it is a joy to be here and go top of the league.”

City return to Champions League action in midweek when they host Sparta Praha at the Etihad Stadium.