Manchester City took a major step toward securing Champions League qualification on Friday night with a narrow but vital 1-0 victory over Wolves at the Etihad Stadium, courtesy of a first-half goal from Kevin De Bruyne.
In a Premier League season filled with twists, inconsistency, and fierce competition for European spots, Manchester City ’s hard-fought win pushed them up to third in the table. Pep Guardiola’s side is now firmly in contention for a top-five finish, which is expected to secure a Champions League place given England’s strong UEFA coefficient this year.
De Bruyne’s decisive strike came in the first half and ultimately proved enough to secure all three points. It was just his sixth goal of the campaign—a number that reflects the toll injuries have taken on the 33-year-old Belgian in recent seasons. Still, on a night when City needed inspiration, it was De Bruyne who delivered once again.
The match also marked a poignant moment in De Bruyne’s storied career at the club. With his contract expiring at the end of the season and no renewal on offer, Friday’s fixture was his penultimate appearance at the Etihad Stadium. Despite ongoing speculation about his future, the midfielder demonstrated that his class remains intact.
De Bruyne Shows He’s Not Done Yet
“Many teammates have told me it’s sad that I have to go, but that’s life,” De Bruyne said after the match. “I don’t know what comes next, but I know I can still play here [in the Premier League]. I’m trying to play the best football I can, and I’m still enjoying it.”
Guardiola, who has managed De Bruyne for nearly a decade, offered a heartfelt tribute to the midfielder’s legacy.
“Just thank you,” said Guardiola. “You cannot imagine what he’s done for this club. He’s been incredible. Against Crystal Palace, we were 2-0 down and he turned the game. Today, he wins us three points. You can’t replace a player like that.”
The result marked City’s fifth consecutive win in all competitions—only the second time they’ve managed such a streak in what has been a tumultuous season. The consistency is arriving at just the right moment, as City now have a four-point cushion over sixth-place Nottingham Forest, who still have a game in hand. Fourth-place Newcastle and fifth-place Chelsea also hold a game in hand each, meaning the race remains tight.
Despite the win, Guardiola remained cautious and reflective, acknowledging that his team cannot afford to become complacent.
“We are better than we were weeks ago,” he noted. “If we play like this, it’s very good. But we cannot relax. Winning like this is important because it shows we still need to work.”
The victory, while crucial, doesn’t erase the sting of losing the Premier League title to Liverpool, ending City’s four-year reign as champions. Nor does it fully satisfy Guardiola’s ambitions, even if his team goes on to qualify for the Champions League and win the upcoming FA Cup final against Crystal Palace.
“For me, that’s not enough to call this a successful season,” Guardiola admitted. “We always aim higher.”
The match itself was far from straightforward. Guardiola surprised fans and pundits alike by keeping star striker Erling Haaland on the bench. The Norwegian, who was returning early from an ankle injury sustained in March, was an unused substitute.
Wolves came into the fixture riding high on confidence, having won six consecutive league games for the first time since the 1970–71 season. That momentum showed early on, with City’s defense under pressure. Wolves nearly took the lead when Rayan Aït-Nouri struck the post from close range, only for Josko Gvardiol to heroically clear the rebound off the line.
But City gradually took control of the game, and it was De Bruyne who found the breakthrough. The midfielder timed his run perfectly to meet a slick build-up and slotted the ball calmly past the goalkeeper, sparking celebrations among the home crowd.
Despite failing to extend their lead, City managed to hold firm at the back, grinding out the win in a manner that Guardiola appreciated for its grit and focus.
With just three matches remaining, every point is critical. The Etihad crowd may soon bid farewell to one of the club’s modern legends in Kevin De Bruyne, but his final contributions may yet prove decisive in City’s push for European football.