Manchester City returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, but the match was overshadowed by a controversial penalty decision that infuriated manager Pep Guardiola. Referee Farai Hallam, on his Premier League debut, opted not to award a spot-kick after a VAR review for a handball by Yerson Mosquera, despite Guardiola's protests.
Guardiola, who had dropped Erling Haaland and Phil Foden due to form, was incensed by the decision and pointed to a long-held belief that City receive unfair officiating. 'It is the first time when a referee goes to the TV and does not overrule the position of the arms,' he said, adding that he expects Howard Webb to explain the call. The manager also cited Diogo Dalot's stamp on Jérémy Doku in a previous match as another poor decision.
Wolves head coach Rob Edwards defended the referee's call, stating that Mosquera's arm was in a natural position and the incident happened close-range. 'Fair play to Farai in his first game to make that call,' Edwards said. The penalty shout came when Omar Marmoush's flick struck Mosquera's left elbow, with the arm away from the body but the defender running.
City opened the scoring when Matheus Nunes crossed for Marmoush to stab home, his first league goal since August. Antoine Semenyo doubled the lead after being slipped through by Bernardo Silva, finishing smartly for his third goal in four matches since joining from Bournemouth. The goals came in the first half, while Wolves improved after the break but failed to find the net despite efforts from substitute Mateus Mané.
The win ends City's run of four league games without victory, while Wolves suffer a first defeat in six. Guardiola's side remain in contention at the top, while Wolves sit 14 points from safety.
