Let’s look back at some of the most memorable games between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester City before their showdown this weekend at Molineux. Pep Guardiola’s team is under intense pressure heading into the match as Wolves, with just one point from their first eight games, are led by manager Gary O’Neil.
Although they did lose two of their past three games before the international break—at home against Arsenal and away at Newcastle United—City is still undefeated after eight games. Manchester City 3-2 Wolves – December 2019
Possibly the most exciting evening in Molineux’s Premier League history, when the Wanderers shocked supporters by defeating the champions and defying the odds. For the visitors, the evening got off to a disastrous start as Ederson was substituted after taking down Diogo Jota.
Despite this setback, Raheem Sterling’s brace gave City a 2-0 lead just after the interval. In the 55th minute, Adama Traore scored a touchdown to bring optimism to the Wolves supporters, bringing Molineux to life.
What happened next was incredible: Matt Doherty’s driving goal and Raul Jimenez’s close-range finish turned the tide in favor of the hosts. On a memorable evening that will stick in the minds of all who witnessed it, Nuno Espirito Santo’s team managed to hold on and secure all three points. October 2019: Manchester City 0-2 Wolves
Two months prior, at the Etihad Stadium, a brace from Traore had given the Old Gold a 2-0 triumph. That historic night in the Black Country marked the second win in Wolves’ incredible double that season.
Despite having only 24% of the ball and giving up 18 shots to 7, the opposition managed to hold out the entire time despite intense pressure. Jimenez was playing at the peak of his abilities as he created both opportunities, which Traore skillfully completed. Even for Nuno’s club, who was often fiercely competitive against the best teams, it was an incredible double.
Wolves 2-1 Manchester City – October 2010
Mick McCarthy’s side sat on just six points from a possible 27 when fourth placed City rolled in at Molineux in 2010.
The visitors, under the stewardship of Roberto Mancini, took an expected lead early on through Emmanuel Adebayor from the penalty spot after Richard Stearman brought down David Silva.
Serbian midfielder Nenad Milijas equalised for the home side moments later though, with a low, drilled effort that defied goal keeper Joe Hart.
Dave Edwards netted Wolves’ winner just prior to the hour mark as the Welshman slid in to finish after Kevin Doyle’s effort had been palmed away.
It was a crucial turning point after an eight-match winless run for the hosts, and one that proved vital for McCarthy’s men as they survived the drop by just one point on a dramatic final day.
Wolves 2-1 Manchester City – September 2023
Despite City’s dominance of the English top flight since Pep Guardiola’s arrival, Molineux has always been a place for a potential trip-up, and that point was once again proved last season, as Gary O’Neil’s players caused another major shock in the Black Country.
Guardiola’s team came into the contest unbeaten but without the Spaniard on the touchline, as he served a one-match ban.
Ruben Dias turned the ball into his own net in the opening period after a fantastic run from Pedro Neto to give the hosts the lead.
World Cup winner Julian Alvarez restored parity for the visitors early in the second half, when the Argentine curled a flighted free-kick over the wall and into the top corner.
Hwang Hee-Chan had other ideas though, as he finished from close range to end a run of six straight defeats against City for the Wanderers.
The away side would go on to win the title with 91 points ahead of Arsenal’s 89, but Wolves caused a rare blip on an otherwise sensational campaign.
Wolves 0-2 Manchester City – April 2012
A clash that is memorable to the Molineux faithful for all the wrong reasons.
After three years in the Premier League, Wolves’ fate was sealed and they returned to the second tier thanks to goals from Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri.
It marked the end of a miserable survival effort from the Wanderers, who were on a run of nine successive home defeats at the time, but it was an afternoon that pumped the pressure on Manchester United, as City closed in on a first Premier League title.
The rest of the story for City needs no explanation, as the season culminated in Aguero’s last-gasp winner against QPR to win the title on the final day.
The two teams are engaged in a campaign of diametric contrasts; they will square off for the 131st time on Sunday, with Wolves looking to maintain their position at the bottom of the standings and City looking to take the lead should Liverpool falter against Chelsea at Anfield.
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