Micah Richards has admitted he feels Bernardo Silva was impeding with play as John Stones headed Manchester City to a 2-1 victory over Wolves on Sunday.
The match appeared set to end in a draw after Jorgen Strand Larsen and Josko Gvardiol netted in the first half.
Right at the end, however, City won it with Stones’ header sailing into the net.
Silva appeared to give Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa a nudge just before the ball went in. However, despite referee Chris Kavanagh heading to the monitor to look at the incident, the goal was given.
Micah Richards has admitted he feels Bernardo Silva was impeding with play as John Stones headed Manchester City to a 2-1 victory over Wolves on Sunday
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Wolves were left furious, with Gary O’Neil booked following protests.
And though Richards was pleased the goal was given, he does feel the hosts were unfortunate.
“I would like to see a goal be given for this because I don’t think there’s too much contact,” he said.
“But the fact of the matter is he’s still in the goalkeeper’s way.
“So it has affected the play, in my opinion. If we go back to that consistency, sometimes you see them given sometimes not.
“It’s just that nudge that sends him off balance, then he’s not set. So I understand why Wolves would feel aggrieved at this particular moment.”
The Premier League Match Centre on X have been flooded with messages from fans demanding why the goal was given.
Explaining Kavanagh’s decision to give the green light, they said: “Stones’ goal was disallowed on-field due to Bernardo Silva being in an offside position and in the goalkeeper’s line of vision.
“The VAR deemed Bernardo Silva wasn’t in the line of vision and had no impact on the goalkeeper and recommended an on-field review.
“The referee overturned his original decision and a goal was awarded.”
Meanwhile, City boss Pep Guardiola has opened up in the wake of the drama.
The Spaniard feels Kavanagh made the right decision to give Stones’ goal, while also praising his side for showing patience as they secured victory.
Micah Richards feels sorry for Wolves in the wake of their defeat to Man City
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“Of course I didn’t understand it. Linesman, I don’t know the reason why he did it, but Bernardo [Silva] isn’t disturbing the position,” he said.
“It was difficult in the first moment. Today in modern football they starve the keeper. In the moment what happened [Jose] Sa had the perfect vision. The taker from Phil [Foden] and the header [by John Stones] were magnificent.
“With 11 [Wolves] players in the penalty spot literally it is so difficult. The way we have done many years, the teams have decided to play in that way [against us].
“But we were patient. They had some transitions, they have pace up front and physicality in the middle, they are so strong. But we were patient. Still we are who we are and that is so nice.
John Stones celebrates his late goal for Man City in their dramatic Premier League win over Wolves
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“Of course we take a look [at the standings] but I have after 10 or 12 games in the Premier League you don’t have to see the table, it is just the beginning.
“But of course it is nice to be winning, you are alive and in that position. Liverpool have to play but we are top at the moment and that feeling is really good.
“Continue with that, the commitment from the players is unbelievable and that is why it is a joy.”