Despite being called for an on-field review by VAR, referee Chris Kavanagh upheld John Stones’ late winner for Manchester City against Wolves.
Stones had headed in during injury time, thinking he’d saved City, only to learn the goal was under review after celebrating.
Initially disallowed due to Bernardo Silva being near Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa when the header was made, VAR official Stuart Atwell recommended Kavanagh check the pitchside monitor.
Typically, such reviews lead to overturned decisions, but Kavanagh upheld the goal, sparking wild celebrations from City players. The Premier League’s Match Centre explained that Silva, though offside, did not obstruct the goalkeeper’s line of sight, leading to the goal being allowed.
Silva, in an offside position, ducked as Stones made contact with the ball, but his positioning was deemed not to have interfered with Sa’s ability to save.
Stones’ late goal pushed City back to the top of the Premier League before Liverpool’s match against Chelsea.
Earlier, Wolves had taken an early lead through Jorgen Strand Larsen, with Josko Gvardiol equalizing just before halftime. Despite several saves by Sa, Stones’ decisive header secured City’s comeback win.
