It looked like it was going to miss the chance to leapfrog Liverpool ahead of its match against Chelsea later in the day, but Stones proved City's hero once again in dramatic fashion.

Struggling Wolves made a purposeful start and took a seventh-minute lead when Nelson Semedo's delicious deep cross was tucked away by Jorgen Strand Larsen.

However, the visitors brought themselves level in the 33rd minute after Josko Gvardiol's stunning strike.

City was largely frustrated by an in-form Jose Sa, who made smart reflex saves to deny Bernardo Silva, Savinho and Ruben Dias.

But, deep into stoppage-time, Wolves' resolve was finally broken as Stones rose to meet Phil Foden's corner and power a header into the back of the net.

His goal was eventually awarded after a VAR review, with the referee's assistant having initially flagged for offside with Silva in close proximity to Sa.

However, referee Chris Kavanagh correctly ruled Silva - although in an offside position - was not impeding the Wolves goalkeeper's view.

City has now won 10 of its past 12 Premier League matches while trailing, after Stones's most dramatic of winning goals.

As for Wolves, who slipped to the foot of the table, they have failed to win any of their opening eight league games in a season for the first time since 1983-1984.

City boss Pep Guardiola saluted his side's patience after the match.

"We are not a team that wins games right at the end, but the performance there was outstanding," Guardiola said.

"We played really well to have the chances we had. The players who came in were unbelievable and to win that way feels good.

"We have been in that position, when you lose at the end. But this is the game. Both sides try to do their best. They had a game plan, and I am so proud. We played the way we want to play, and it is a joy to be here, to score in the last 50 seconds and go top of the league.

"They had some transitions, they have pace up front and physicality in the middle, they are so strong. But we were patient. Still, we are who we are and that is so nice.