MANCHESTER (REUTERS) – England ahead Raheem Sterling’s a centesimal Premier League aim was sufficient to earn leaders Manchester Metropolis a 1-0 win over 10-man Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday (Dec 11).
Wolves have been doing a fantastic job of irritating Metropolis within the opening interval earlier than striker Raul Jimenez’s dismissal for 2 yellow playing cards in fast succession in first-half stoppage time modified the complexion of the sport.
Metropolis dominated the second half because of this, edging in entrance by means of Sterling’s penalty – a choice that required a prolonged Video Assistant Referee test – within the 66th minute.
The house aspect had loads of possibilities to make the outcome extra comfy, with Jack Grealish’s struggles since turning into the British document switch within the shut season persevering with as he missed from shut vary.
Nonetheless, one aim proved sufficient for Metropolis who picked up their sixth successive league win to maneuver 4 factors away from Liverpool, who host Aston Villa in a while Saturday, on the prime of the standings.
Wolves, who battled exhausting as selections went in opposition to them on the Etihad Stadium, keep eighth on 21 factors from 16 video games.
The sport hinged on one second of insanity. Wolves appeared comfy going into the interval earlier than Jimenez’s useless dismissal gave Metropolis the raise they wanted.
The Mexico worldwide acquired his first yellow card for a foul on midfielder Rodri and 31 seconds later obtained one other for blocking Rodri’s free kick having not retreated sufficient.
All-out assault
After the break, it was all-out assault from Metropolis, with Conor Coady clearing off the road to disclaim Ilkay Gundogan.
Referee Jon Moss then additional ensured he will not be welcome in Wolverhampton any time quickly after awarding Metropolis a penalty for handball in opposition to Joao Moutinho.
The Portugal midfielder was adamant the ball hit his ribs however, following a protracted delay whereas the VAR checked the incident, Moss’ choice stood.
Sterling slotted the penalty down the center, turning into the thirty second participant to succeed in 100 Premier League objectives.
“(It) is a beautiful achievement,” the 27-year-old instructed BT Sport. “There are some implausible gamers in that record. I am actually honoured to be in it now.
“We knew we (Metropolis) needed to hold affected person. They saved it actually tight, however we knew if we saved taking part in we would get a chance – and we did.”
The hosts ought to have made the win extra comfy.
Bernardo Silva was denied by a wise save from Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa, whereas a number of different last-ditch blocks saved them at bay.
The guests piled ahead late on and had one last-gasp alternative to grab some extent however Ederson tipped Max Kilman’s header over the bar.