Wolverhampton Wanderers came up short in their bid to become the first club to take points off Manchester City in 2021.
The game finished 4-1 to the hosts at the Etihad Stadium, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side coming unstuck late on after somehow drawing level on the hour-mark after being dominated.
It was total domination from City
Wolves barely got near their penalty area.
In the second-half, Wolves managed to make full use of a free-kick for their first attack of the game.
Joao Moutinho’s excellent ball in was begging to be put away and captain Conor Coady, of all people, duly obliged.
That briefly put wind in Wolves’ sails – Adama Traore having a couple of efforts.
But City would find a way, as they did against West Ham United at the weekend, with Gabriel Jesus tapping in after Kyle Walker got in behind the defence before crossing.
Further goals late on arrived from Riyad Mahrez and Jesus once more and City’s victory was totally deserved on the night.
Wolves’ best player was undoubtedly Rui Patricio.
It was thanks to him that the Wanderers kept it down to just four.
The £16 million man (BBC Sport) made a number of key stops and the final scoreline was extremely harsh on him, but fans made sure to praise him on social media:
We do not deserve Rui Patricio
— hannah (@hannahmckk) March 2, 2021
Rui Patricio man of match
— alison owen (@alisonangelx) March 2, 2021
Patricio excellent. Why people thought Ruddy was a better idea I have no idea.
City are excellent. We could have put up a better fight I think but anything other than a city win was still unlikely. #wwfc— The Armchair Football Fan (@Armchair_Foot) March 2, 2021
And Patricio was our MotM! #wwfc
— Cruyff Wulf (@cruyffwulf) March 2, 2021
Bizarre game. Shouldn’t have been in it, somehow got level, didn’t make the most of a couple of decent opportunities, practically gifted two goals by over playing in wrong areas. Much better 2nd half, City very deserved winners, Patricio very good #wwfc #wolves #MCIWOL
— Kev Baker 👥 (@bakes1970) March 2, 2021
City put it up a gear , but some poor defending.
Rui MOTM 👀👀
Villa Saturday. Mentality has too change from the start. Front foot and some passion. For 20 mins we did ok at 1 1. Boly has to start on sat. Young boy Otasowie will learn!!! #wwfc
— Alex (@Lanertron) March 2, 2021
Rui was great. “Defence” letting him down again.
— WWFCJ (@wwfc2020) March 2, 2021