Johnny on the spot as Stones once again rescues City in added time

FEAR Nothing.

- SIMON BAJKOWSKI

That was the message in the centrecircle before kick-off and that was exactly the approach Wolves took to Premier League champions City in their bid to improve an awful start and begin to climb the table.

Within seven minutes they were ahead, bravely holding their nerve at the back as the Blues snapped at their heels before breaking through the lines with Jorgen Strand Larsen sweeping home a Nelson Semedo cross that saw Rico Lewis and John Stones exposed.

City, unlike the early years under Pep Guardiola, no longer fear going behind though.

Where previously a goal conceded would often be a signal for further crumbling, the last two seasons it has almost felt like par for their course; their comeback win at Molineux broke the record of Arsenal Invincibles for 12 consecutive unbeaten games after falling behind (won ten, drawn two).

Conceding is of course still a concern, especially when it heightens existing feelings around the lack of pace in midfield to respond to threats and awareness at the back to stay switched on. City are unlikely to win the league by giving every opponent a goal headstart.

It is just that this Guardiola team are so much less rattled by conceding than previous versions.