Why John Stones Man City winner vs Wolves was allowed despite controversial VAR check

Referee Chris Kavanagh decided not to rule out John Stones' late winner against Wolves despite being sent for an on-field review by VAR. Stones, who looked to have rescued City deep into injury time again, had headed in before realising that his effort had actually been disallowed.

When Stones returned from a celebration in the stands he saw that the goal was under a VAR check. VAR official Stuart Atwell suggested Kavanagh went to the pitchside monitor following the goal, which he had initially disallowed due to Bernardo Silva standing close to Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa when the header was met.

When referees go to the screen it often means a decision will be overturned. Kavanagh then gave the goal, sparking wild scenes on the pitch for City.

ALSO READ: Why Kyle Walker missed Man City trip to Wolves

ALSO READ: Wolves vs Man City highlights and reaction

The Premier League Match Centre explained the decision on X (formerly Twitter). "Stones’ goal was disallowed on-field due to Bernardo Silva being in an offside position and in the goalkeeper’s line of vision. The VAR deemed Bernardo Silva wasn’t in the line of vision and had no impact on the goalkeeper and recommended an on-field."

Silva, already one of the smaller players on the pitch, was in an offside position but was ducking when Stones headed the ball. The midfielder was also slightly to the side of Sa, not standing totally in front of him.

The goal, which is the second time Stones has scored to gain City points after his late equaliser against Arsenal last month, sent Pep Guardiola's side back to the top of the Premier League before Liverpool's clash with Chelsea. City came from behind yet again to win.

Jorgen Strand Larsen had given bottom-placed side Wolves an