Rui Patricio was the hero as Pep Guardiola’s side were beaten on penalties in the final of the pre-season tournament
Manchester City failed to collect their first trophy of the 2019-20 season after losing the Premier League Asia Trophy final to Wolves on penalties.
Following a goalless draw in Shanghai on Saturday, Wolves goalkeeper Rui Patricio saved three penalties to seal a 3-2 shoot-out victory for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
Pep Guardiola’s men completed a domestic clean sweep of silverware last term but must wait until next month’s Community Shield – where they will face Liverpool – for a chance to add to their growing collection of medals.
City were gifted the chance to take a first-half lead when Adama Traore fouled Leroy Sane in the box and referee Martin Atkinson pointed to the penalty spot.
But Raheem Sterling, who started in a central attacking role after he scored twice against West Ham to send City into the final, blazed his effort from 12 yards well over the angle of post and bar.
David Silva’s 77th-minute free-kick tested Patricio, who earlier needed lengthy treatment on a facial injury, as City continued to fruitlessly probe for the breakthrough.
Conor Coady and Ilkay Gundogan were each denied in the first round of penalties, with Patricio also keeping out Silva’s strike before Maximilian Kilman fired his kick wide for Wolves.
Danilo made it 1-1 after three kicks each with a low shot that squeezed under Patricio, who then saved the decisive effort from Lukas Nmecha to secure the trophy.
Earlier in the day, with new head coach Steve Bruce watching from the stands, Newcastle United beat West Ham 1-0 in the third-place play-off thanks to Japan striker Yoshinori Muto’s goal.
Wolves are crowned @premierleague Asia Trophy champions after a 3-2 penalty shoot-out victory over @ManCity!
— Wolves (@Wolves) July 20, 2019
Manchester City play two more pre-season friendlies against Hong Kong-based side Kitchee and J-League outfit Yokohama F. Marinos before kicking off their Premier League campaign away at West Ham, who they beat 4-1 in the previous round of the Asia Trophy.
Wolves must play two legs against Northern Irish side Crusaders in the second qualifying round of the Europa League before facing Leicester City at the King Power Stadium in their opening Premier League game.
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