Manchester City brought Erling Haaland down to beat Wolves 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium, ending their four-game winning streak in the Premier League.
First-half goals from Omar Marmouche and Antoine Semenho handed Josep Guardiola’s side a shock defeat to Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League, ending their five-game unbeaten run in all competitions against the bottom club.
City head into Sunday’s game between the Gunners and Manchester United with three points, moving them within four points of leaders Arsenal ahead of another big week in the Champions League. Wolves remain at the bottom of the Premier League with eight points.
How did City win without Haaland?
Matheus Nunez, who had been booed by his former club’s fans, delivered a cross that Marmouche cleverly converted for the opening goal. It was a live-wire display from the mobile forward shortly after his return, and the Egyptian immediately justified his decision to bench Haaland.
City had a few more chances after that, with Marmouche hitting the post, but it was a little disappointing not to get a penalty in the process. Referee Farai Haram was sent to a screen for a handball by Jelson Mosquera, but chose to stand by his original decision.
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Referee Farai Haram stood by his on-field decision to deny Manchester City a penalty against Wolves, despite checking the pitchside monitor.
It didn’t matter in the end as City added a second before half-time anyway when Semenyo made a deft move through the middle of the Wolves team. The Ghanaian player came close to scoring one point, but his powerful shot hit the goal frame.
Antoine Semenyo doubles Manchester City’s lead against Wolves
It was a welcome relief for Guardiola, who introduced Haaland, Phil Foden and Jeremy Dok in the second half, alleviating any tension surrounding City’s form. If they beat Galatasaray in midweek, they might really start to believe they are back on track.
Guardiola asks Webb for explanation
“Now everyone will know,” Guardiola said after referee Hallam stood by his decision not to award a penalty in Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Wolves, despite it being transferred to a screen by VAR.
Hallam, who was making his Premier League debut, judged that Mosquera’s arm was in a natural position when he touched the ball inside the penalty area.
Wolves manager Rob Edwards agreed with the call. “At the time he seemed to be in a natural position,” he told Sky Sports. “He (referee Hallam) showed good character and the strength to stick to his decisions on the pitch.”
Guardiola said in a press conference that he took a different view.
“The referee made a great debut. Now everyone will know about him. I think it’s the first time they didn’t acknowledge the ‘normal’ position of the arm in front of the TV,” he said.
“I’m sure Howard Webb will appear in the media tomorrow and explain why it wasn’t a penalty and what he did against (Manchester) United as if it was the first time he had done it because there was a little bit of doubt.
“That’s why Jeremy (Doc) couldn’t play in Norway, because of (Diogo) Dalot’s actions. But it’s okay. We’ll wait tomorrow. Don’t wait for Wednesday. We have the Champions League and we’re busy. Howard Webb, come tomorrow and explain to me why it’s not a penalty.”
Marmouche: I’m glad to be back.
Man City forward Omar Marmouche told Sky Sports:
“It was very important for us to get the three points. We showed a good mentality from the start.
“We keep moving forward and we’re looking forward to the next game. He wanted us to give 100 percent and fight for every ball.
“Scoring goals and helping the team is very important. I’m very happy to be back.”
Guehi: The level has risen here.
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Manchester City new signings Mark Guehi and Clinton Morrison talk about their love for each other on Football Saturday
Man City defender Marc Guehi told Sky Sports after his debut:
“I really enjoyed today. I’m joining a team that has a lot of top players. It’s a good start, but there’s a lot to learn.
“It’s been really great since I’ve been at the club. I feel like everyone has made me feel very welcome.”
Asked what has changed, he said: “Attention to detail. I came from a club where the manager’s attention to detail was great, but here the level has increased. Every training session and a bit of recovery is aimed at winning.”
When asked about being in the spotlight, she said, “Every two minutes I looked up at the TV and saw my face! I’ve been blessed with good people around me, and I’m grateful for them all.”
Analysis: Added firepower can help cities
Haaland has only scored one penalty goal in eight games so far and was showing signs of fatigue given his workload, so it was no big surprise that he was rotated in for the visit of the bottom-flight club. But Guardiola will be encouraged.
Marmouche, ostensibly his replacement up front, scored the opening goal early in the match. In fact, the Egyptian played as a wide forward, mirroring Semenyo’s positioning, but he also found the back of the net. There are people who step up for City.
This was Marmouche’s first goal in the Premier League this season. It was Semenyo’s home Premier League debut and his first appearance in a City shirt in a competition. This added firepower will be very important on the back end this season.
