Kevin De Bruyne gives in as many Man City fans defy club wishes again

There has been a feeling of shellshock around Kevin De Bruyne's impending departure from Manchester City. Even those who agree with the decision can't help but feel sad about it, and after digesting the unexpected news in an empty house it has felt like there has been a filter on the player.

He has made it clear he doesn't agree with the decision yet you feel he has plenty more that he would like to say but isn't doing out of respect for the club where he has dazzled for the last 10 years. And every time he has stepped on the pitch since there have been the same limitations that led City to make the heart-wrenching decision last month.

Speaking of muted, the Etihad was again for the first six minutes despite the best intentions of the club. There was genuine satisfaction from club officials on Thursday night with the update they put out on season tickets, so those same faces may well have been disappointed to see thousands of supporters again staying away from their seats in protest at the direction of travel.

The noise went up in minute seven but it failed to spark City against an impressive Wolves team in better form than any other in the division. Pep Guardiola had his head in his hands when Matheus Cunha danced through too many challenges midway through the first half to set up Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, only for the forward to conspire with Marshall Munetsi to blow a golden chance.

Minutes later, Rayan Ait-Nouri took advantage of poor defending collectively to shoot unmarked in the box. His first shot came back off the post and his second was blocked by Josko Gvardiol before it could cross the line, giving City another let-off.

However stable City have looked in recent weeks, this was a wobble - until up stepped De