Wolves boss O'Neil accuses VAR of 'subconscious' bias against 'little guys'

Manchester City snatched a controversial 2-1 win at Wolves on Sunday as John Stones' last-gasp goal was given after a VAR review, sparking accusations of "subconscious" bias from fuming boss Gary O'Neil.

Pep Guardiola's side trailed to Jorgen Strand Larsen's surprise opener for Wolves early in the first half.

Josko Gvardiol dragged City back on level terms before the interval and, with just seconds left in stoppage time, Stones headed the visitors to a dramatic sixth win in eight league games this season.

Bottom-of-the-table Wolves claimed Stones' goal should have been disallowed for offside and interference by Bernardo Silva on goalkeeper Jose Sa.

But referee Chris Kavanagh ignored their protests after consulting the pitchside monitor.

Wolves manager O'Neil raged: "There's no chance that people are purposely against Wolves. But is there something in the subconscious around decision-making or, without even knowing it, are you more likely to give it to Manchester City than Wolves?

"Manchester City scoring a last-minute winner is a big thing. I might be miles off, but if I had to upset someone in a street and there was a little guy and a big guy, I'm upsetting a little guy. Nothing against little guys."

Guardiola added: "Of course I didn't understand it. I don't know the reason why the linesman did it, but Bernardo isn't disturbing the position. Sa had the perfect vision. The header by John Stones were magnificent."

City remain in second place, one point behind Liverpool after the leaders beat Chelsea 2-1 at Anfield later on Sunday.

Chasing a fifth successive English title, Guardiola's men have set a new club record as their unbeaten run in the league reached 31 games since their loss to Aston Villa in December.

In English top-flight history, only six times has a side gone more than 30 matches without losing, most recently Liverpool's run of 44 games from 2019 to 2020.

"We are not used to winning games at the end, like Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool it many times happened. It is a good flavour for us," Guardiola said.