WOLVERHAMPTON, England (Reuters) – Wolverhampton Wanderers’ loss to Manchester City on Sunday was a tough one to swallow for boss Gary O’Neil, who said the contentious injury time goal that left them bottom of the Premier League was similar to one that went against his team last season.
With Wolves on the verge of securing a much needed point by holding City to a 1-1 draw, John Stones headed in a 95th-minute corner to seal the champions a 2-1 win and condemn the hosts to their seventh defeat in eight league outings this season.
The last gasp goal was checked by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for a possible offside by Bernardo Silva in front of the goalkeeper. It was decided that Silva did not block keeper Jose Sa’s line of vision.
“I am trying to remain calm,” said O’Neil, who was livid on the touchline after the call. “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.”
O’Neil said it was similar to an injury time goal Wolves had disallowed in a 2-1 loss to West Ham late 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,” O’Neil said.
“I would rather not discuss it because it will still sound like I am making excuses. Whatever decision they make, I respect,” he added.
“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.”
The loss left Wolves last in the table on just a point.
(Reporting by Lori Ewing)
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