Wolves boss Gary O’Neil has admitted he’s ‘trying to stay calm’ in the wake of his side’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday.
John Stones scored a dramatic late header to secure victory for Pep Guardiola’s team after Jorgen Strand Larsen and Josko Gvardiol bagged in the first half.
O’Neil raged at full time, however, with the 41-year-old incensed at the decision to give the goal.
Bernardo Silva appeared to give goalkeeper Jose Sa a nudge while standing in an offside position. Much to O’Neil’s anger, however, the goal was awarded by referee Chris Kavanagh after he’d checked the monitor.
Wolves boss Gary O’Neil has admitted he’s ‘trying to stay calm’ in the wake of his side’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday
PA
O’Neil has been asked about the incident after the game.
And the Wolves boss admitted he was fighting to keep his temper in check, saying: “I am trying to remain calm.
“I have been involved in a few of those and not had many go in our favour so was expecting that outcome.
“There is some grey area that can go either way and once it was like that I wasn’t confident it would go our way.”
He continued: “It was similar to a goal [Wolves had disallowed] against West Ham last season.
“We sent an image to referees showing with proof that the West Ham keeper could see the ball, but the reason were given was the player was in close proximity.
“The same argument could be said here but we just have to accept it.
“I would rather not discuss it because it will still sound like I am making excuses. Whatever decision they make, I respect.
“We don’t want to cross that line, but it did feel like a harsh one. I am proud of the players though.
“An unbelievable effort and we gave ourselves a great chance. I am gutted for the players that we had to leave with nothing.”
Stones was also interviewed post-match.
And the City star insisted the decision to give the goal was the right one, even though he acknowledged he was ‘biased’.
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Wolves were denied a point against Man City with John Stones scoring a dramatic late goal at the death
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“We have been trying super hard to improve our set pieces and make the most of them,” stated the England international.
“Today was a new focus and attitude towards them.
“Hopefully this is the start of many more.
“It is a vital part of the game at both ends of the pitch and really pleasing for me personally to get the winner after such a difficult game.
Wolves boss Gary O’Neil refused to criticise referee Chris Kavanagh following his side’s heartbreaking defeat to Man City
PA
“I thought it had been chalked off.
“I tried to speak to the ref but he had a lot of people around him.
“For me it is the right call. Obviously I am going to be biased but I think it should stand.”