Manchester City 0-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers: 3 Reasons why the Cityzens lost | Premier League 2019/20

#2 A resolute defensive performance from Wolves

Wolverhampton Wanderers' Rui Patricio (L) and Conor Coady (R)

When travelling to the home of the champions, teams have to put your best defensive foot forward, otherwise, they get mercilessly punished. For this encounter, Nuno Espirito's men came battle-ready, as they put their early-season woes behind them to thwart the rampaging Manchester City attack endlessly.

The champions dominated proceedings, as they launched wave after wave of attack, passing and probing. However, at every turn, they met the Wolves rearguard, who patiently frustrated Guardiola's men time and again. Wolves' total of 20 successful tackles and a staggering 42 clearances was a testament to how effective they were at the back.

---

#1 Wolves' blistering counter-attacks

Adama Traore shoots past Ederson Moraes

Last season, Nuno Espirito Santo's team had a series of wonderful performances against top six clubs, as they dished out upset after upset. However, playing against lesser teams proved tricky for them, as they usually had more time on the ball.

Playing on the back foot is Wolves' forte, and in this game, they shrugged off a shaky start to the season to produce a textbook Wolves performance at the home of the champions. Time and again Nuno Espirito's men absorbed monumental City pressure and broke free on counters.

Wolves' two goals in the game were scored off such forays forward, as Raul Jimenez broke free on both occasions to release Adama Traore for his brace.