Why John Stones’ Winner Over Wolves Wasn’t Disallowed

Why John Stones’ Winner Over Wolves Wasn’t Disallowed

Manchester City took on Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux yesterday, and despite coming away with a 2-1 win, questions were asked of the officials following their decision to award John Stones’ goal which ultimately won City the game.

Josko Gvardiol curled home a peach, cancelling out Jorgen Strand Larsen’s opener, in the 33rd minute, but it wasn’t until Stones converted from a corner in added time that City were ahead in the match.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🤯 John Stones (30) with a 90+5' winner vs Wolves! 📈

Manchester City have now come from behind to win 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑 Premier League games this season after conceding the first goal 👀

pic.twitter.com/2HDtbLShCs

— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) October 20, 2024

Following much debate in the Media, ultimately it appears that the decision was correct, and here’s why:

What Was Controversial About the Goal?

As Phil Foden geared up to take a corner in 90+5’ minute, it was clear to everyone that Bernardo Silva was impeding Jose Sa in the Wolves goal. Silva was impacting his compatriot’s ability to see the ball, and also his movement.

So when Stones got his head onto the delivery, Wolves’ players and staff were in disbelief that the goal was awarded, believing Silva to have had an unfair impact on proceedings whilst residing in an offside position.

Following a VAR check, the goal stood, to the dismay of Wolves’ fans.

Funnily enough, Manchester City have had an issue with this before, which actually led to a change in Premier League ruling. Last season, Nathan Ake headed home against Fulham, but it was clear that Manuel Akanji was blocking the vision of Bernd Leno in goal.

After the game, the rules were adjusted to avoid this type of situation occurring again.

Why Was This Goal Awarded?

Despite the fact that it’s clear Bernado Silva is having an impact on Jose Sa as the corner comes in, it’s important to keep in mind that Silva cannot be offside from a corner. So the entire time that he’s messing with Sa, he’s well within his rights to stand there.

What’s so important, that saw this goal awarded, is Silva’s movement as Stones connects with the ball. Once Stones plays the ball goal-wards, Silva would then be judged as offside. However, he ducks abruptly, meaning that he’s no longer impeding Sa’s ability to see the ball.

Therefore, the correct decision stood, which honestly reflects a big improvement on the use and standard of VAR this season.