Twice City's bench had spilled onto the pitch, celebrating John Stones' 95th-minute winner and then its confirmation following a VAR review.
At full-time, the City players who had been defending a last-gasp Wolves attack celebrated in a huddle in their own box. There were hugs, Pep Guardiola went around the whole team, and they took in the adoration from their fans. Out of context, you may have thought the win had secured silverware or qualification of some sort.
But even before the players were back in the dressing room, the celebrations were over. Guardiola pulled Bernardo Silva for one of his famous on-field coaching sessions, which didn't seem to please the Portuguese, and the mood in the tunnel was one of business as usual.
After the managers delivered their post-match thoughts and the TV interviews were concluded, the Portuguese-speaking contingent of City and Wolves gathered outside the away dressing room. On Sunday, there were 15 Portuguese or Brazilian players in the squads, with most of them gathering to dissect the game.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
NEXT STOP... FIVE CLUBS FOR RASH
MARCUS Rashford has admitted he is ready to leave United.
Manager reveals Garna is 'upset' over derby snub
RUBEN Amorim has revealed Alejandro Garnacho is ‘a little bit upset with him’ over his omission from the United squad against City on Sunday.
Amorim: Rash should have told me privately he wanted to leave
UNITED head coach Ruben Amorim has told Marcus Rashford he should have told him privately that he wanted to leave the club.
'There is nothing to celebrate when United cash in on a hitherto one-club man, but they have to
LITTLE that Dan Ashworth said or did has aged well at United but one quote endures.
Erl looks stronger than ever regardless of City's struggles
IN another season, the City medical team would be giving themselves a pat on the back.
Say what you like about Walker but he always fronts up despite poor results
KYLE Walker deserves plenty of criticism for his form this season but some of it has been over the top.
CITY'S TEST AT VILLA IS HUGE
CITY players will have returned to training yesterday with both hope and dread.
Reds boss should look to the Etihad to see how to deal with wantaways...
UNITED should be riding high after their derby win at the Etihad Stadium.
Keely is the 'real deal' - Lord Coe
WORLD Athletics president Lord Coe is convinced “real deal” and newly-crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year Keely Hodgkinson has already ascended to British great status.
Roots of our festive traditions
BRINGING plants into the house to celebrate the festive season has long been part of our Christmas tradition.