Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that he enjoyed the dramatic nature of Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Wolves.
City came from behind to win at Molineux thanks to a 95th-minute goal from John Stones.
A stunning strike by Josko Gvardiol had earlier cancelled out Jorgen Strand Larsen’s opener for the home side.
Stones’ winning goal – a header from a Phil Foden corner – arrived from City’s 22nd shot of the match.
Guardiola was adamant that his side deserved all three points.
Manager Pep Guardiola saw his Manchester City side win 2-1 at Wolves on Sunday afternoon
Man City’s winning goal on Sunday was scored in the 95th minute by centre back John Stones
Speaking to Sky Sports, Guardiola said: ‘We are not [usually] a team that win games right at the end but the performance there was outstanding.
‘We have a lot of players with quality up front, but a lot of players in the box is difficult. They are aggressive, strong. We played really good to have the chances we had. The players who came in were unbelievable and to win that way feels good.
‘Eleven players in the 18 yard box is difficult, but the composure from everyone [was good]. We lost here last season, they were less active but I saw them against Liverpool and Chelsea.
‘We have been in that position, when you lose at the end. But this is the game. Both sides try to do their best. They had a game plan and I am so proud. We played the way we want to play and it is a joy to be here, to score in the last 50 seconds and go top of the league.’
In a different post-game interview, Guardiola then compared his team to Liverpool under former boss Jurgen Klopp.
Klopp, who left Anfield at the end of last season, saw his Reds side score 18 match-winning goals in the 90th minute or later during his 334-game Premier League career.
Guardiola also had his say on the controversy that surrounded Stones’ goal on Sunday.
The goal was the subject of a VAR check after the assistant referee initially raised his flag to indicate that Bernardo Silva – who did not touch the ball but was alleged to have unsettled Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa – had been offside.
Guardiola (left) pictured hugging Stones following Man City’s dramatic victory at Molineux
The goal was given after a VAR check for a possible offside against Bernardo Silva (second left)
After watching several replays, referee Chris Kavanagh decided that the goal should stand.
Guardiola told BBC Sport: ‘We are not used to winning games at the end, like Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool it happened many times. It is a good flavour for us.’
On why the Stones goal was reviewed, Guardiola added: ‘Of course I didn’t understand it. The linesman, I don’t know the reason why he did it.
‘But Bernardo isn’t disturbing the position. It was difficult in the first moment. Today in modern football they starve the keeper.
‘In the moment that happened Sa had the perfect vision. The corner from Phil and the header [by Stones] were magnificent.
‘With 11 [Wolves] players in the penalty area 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.’
Liverpool scored 18 winning goals in or after the 90th minute in Premier League games during Jurgen Klopp’s time in charge
Sunday’s win at Wolves sent City top of the Premier League table, although only for a couple of hours – as title rivals Liverpool later beat Chelsea 2-1 to reclaim first place.
‘Of course we take a look [at the table],’ Guardiola continued. ‘But 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.’
