Manchester City secured a crucial 1-0 win over Wolves on Friday, moving up to third place in the Premier League and boosting their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League. Kevin De Bruyne scored the only goal of the match, lifting City to a fifth consecutive win in all competitions.
The victory came at a vital time for Pep Guardiola’s side, as they continue their fight for a top-five finish. With three matches remaining, City now hold a four-point advantage over sixth-placed Nottingham Forest, who have a game in hand.
De Bruyne’s first-half strike was his sixth goal of the season and could prove crucial in City’s battle to secure European football for next season. Despite being told that he would not receive a new contract, De Bruyne showed why he is still a key figure for the team. This win keeps City on track to avoid missing out on Champions League qualification for the first time since 2010-11.
Guardiola made a surprise decision to bench star striker Erling Haaland, who returned early from an ankle injury. The team, though, didn’t need him as De Bruyne’s well-placed finish in the 35th minute gave City the lead.
Wolves, fresh from a six-match winning streak, caused some problems for City, with Jean-Ricner Bellegarde missing a key chance and Rayan Ait-Nouri hitting the post. But despite a second-half push from the visitors, including a powerful shot from Matheus Cunha that struck the post, City managed to hold on to their lead and secure the valuable three points.
