Kevin De Bruyne marked his penultimate home appearance for Manchester City with a decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Wolves, bringing City a step closer to clinching Champions League qualification for next season.
The Belgian midfielder, whose contract expires this summer, struck in the 35th minute — his 250th goal involvement under Pep Guardiola.
His dominance over Wolves continued, having now contributed to 11 goals in his last 10 appearances against them.
De Bruyne will have one final opportunity to play at the Etihad on May 20 when City face Bournemouth.
The win was City’s fifth consecutive league victory — only the second time they’ve managed such a run this season — lifting them to third place ahead of the weekend fixtures and putting them four points clear of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest in the race for a top-five finish.
Wolves, riding a six-game winning streak, aimed to make it seven top-flight victories in a row for the first time since 1946.
They began brightly and twice struck the woodwork through Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri in a first half where they were the more threatening side.
Cunha was instrumental in Wolves’ attacking play, setting up Jean-Richer Bellegarde with a slick pass, but the midfielder’s unselfish attempt to find Marshall Munetsi was overhit.
Ait-Nouri then saw a double chance go begging — hitting the post and having a rebound cleared off the line by Josko Gvardiol.
City’s first serious opportunity came in the 33rd minute when Jeremy Doku set up Nico O’Reilly, whose shot was tipped over by Jose Sa.
Moments later, Bernardo Silva, making his 400th appearance for the club, won possession in midfield to spark the move that led to De Bruyne’s goal, with Doku providing the assist.
City grew into the game after the break, controlling possession and territory. Yet Wolves remained dangerous, and Cunha again hit the post with a sharp turn and strike in the 56th minute.
Pep Guardiola introduced Manuel Akanji and welcomed back Erling Haaland from injury, although the Norwegian remained on the bench.
VAR reviewed a high challenge from Ait-Nouri on Silva late in the second half but opted against intervention.
City saw out the match comfortably to extend their unbeaten streak to nine games, keeping their top-four hopes firmly on track.
