Wolves came up just short against Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday, but Pep Guardiola has been left impressed by Gary O’Neil’s side this season.
Wolves lost 2-1 at Molineux, and came so close to taking a point.
Jorgen Strand Larsen gave Wolves the perfect start, scoring after seven minutes after a brilliant cross from Nelson Semedo.
But Josko Gvardiol then equalised with a stunning strike that Jose Sa just couldn’t keep out.
City then attacked Wolves for most of the second-half, with Wolves occasionally threatening on the counter.
In the end, John Stones scored for City in controversial fashion, heading in a corner right at the death. It as disallowed initially for offside against Bernardo Silva, who had been in front of Sa.
But Silva was deemed not to be interfering when Stones headed in, and the goal stood to break Wolves hearts.
Today, City manager Pep Guardiola spoke about Wolves after Sunday’s eventful contest.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola praises ‘quality’ Wolves
Guardiola has today been speaking to reporters ahead of his side’s Champions League League Phase match against Sparta Prague.
The Spaniard was speaking about the way his players celebrated their late winner against Wolves.
He then seemed to suggest that part of the reason for the wild celebrations was the acknowledgment of beating a really good side.
He said: “I like the way Man City celebrate winning in that way, I have incredible respect for the quality of Wolves.
“I know what they have done against Liverpool and Chelsea for example, how good they play, and they were not able to do it against us what they have done. I know what I am talking about because I saw the games.”
Wolves played well against Man City
It is a tough moment right now for Wolves, but it’s clear Guardiola genuinely respects the club.
He has often acknowledged that Wolves have given his side difficulty in games and of course, there have been some big wins over City in the last few years.
It was not to be on Sunday, but there were plenty of positives for Gary O’Neil to take from Wolves’ performance.
The switch to a back three worked, with most players looking far more comfortable in that system. Former Wolves defender Andy Thompson said that Semedo looked ‘totally different’ in a good way playing as a wing-back, and there were a few others – like Toti Gomes – who looked a lot more assured.
If Wolves can turn in performances of a similar standard going forward, it surely won’t be long before that first win comes.
O’Neil is being backed by the Wolves board, and you can clearly see the players are still fighting for him. Hopefully, the turnaround everyone hopes for is imminent.