Gary O’Neil has clearly learned from experience.

Having been given a touchline ban and £8,000 fine after his reaction to Max Kilman’s disallowed goal against West Ham last season, there was never going to be a repeat.

It was similar to John Stones’ winner for Manchester City on Sunday but O’Neil was stoic in the face of defeat. He questioned if there was unconscious bias which favoured bigger sides but was careful enough not to step over the line and accuse officials of it.

The head coach was the one pulling Pablo Sarabia – who was eventually booked in the chaos following the goal – back from confronting the assistant referee in protest.

With Wolves still searching for a win they need a cool head to lead them and O’Neil has not lose his sense of responsibility.

The side slipped back to the bottom of the table but in the relegation battle those with clear thoughts and processes are the ones who are likely to succeed.

It is eight winless games but O’Neil has shown enough leadership and clarity of thought to prove Wolves can survive.