Rodri has left big hole in middle...

CITY slipped to their first defeat of the Premier League season as they came unstuck against a spirited Wolves on Saturday.

- DANIEL MURPHY

The boisterous crowd were fuelled by their returning former player Matheus Nunes and it spurred their players on. Other than an early opening for Erling Haaland, Wolves were the much more dangerous side and took the lead after Pedro Neto's pass was deflected in by Ruben Dias.

City came out stronger after the break but were still struggling to create chances. They found a way back into the game from a set-piece, Julian Alvarez curling in a stunning free-kick.

But Wolves weren't deterred and managed to reclaim their lead. They again caught City out down the right flank and Hwang Hee-chan managed to stick the ball away after smart play from Matheus Cunha.

■ ALARM BELLS 

It wasn't exactly a surprise when Kalvin Phillips's name wasn't on the teamsheet yet it was a damning indictment all the same. It's all well and good if Rodri's reserve can't dislodge the crucial midfielder but when he can't play for suspension and you still can't get in the side alarm bells must be ringing.

That's if they weren't already when Nunes was signed. Phillips took the admirable stance of fighting for his place at City when he could have moved in the summer but it's looking like an unwise decision if he wants to play even semi-regularly.

If he isn't trusted to start against Wolves he won't be playing at Arsenal and when Rodri is back when is he ever going to play?