Just when we thought the festive spirit was flagging a little, Wolves ' Friday night clash with Manchester City at Molineux proved to be a cracker.
Following on from Boxing Day's nine Premier League games, Friday's fixture saw a City side desperate to get back in touch in the title race take on home outfit with their eyes on Europe.
And it was Wolves who started the brightest.
After lively play from their quicksilver winger Adama Traore in the opening stages, it was Diogo Jota who made the most significant early imapct.
The forward raced onto a ball over the top and, with City keeper Ederson running way out of his goal, he was clearly caught by the roaming Brazilian goalkeeper, with a red card correctly issued by referee Martin Atkinson.
But if you thought that would be the end of the drama for the first half you were wrong.
Pep Guardiola had opted to withdraw the returning Sergio Aguero in order to bring on Claudio Bravo in goal, and it was down to Riyad Mahrez to burst into box in the 24th minute, when his foot was clearly stepped on by Wolves defender Leander Dendoncker.
After lengthy consultation with VAR a penalty was given, and with no Aguero on the pitch it was left to Raheem Sterling to take it.
The England international struck a low shot which Rui Patricio saved to his right, only to then be allowed to re-take it when the VAR spotted encroachment from home defenders.
Guardiola appeared to initially suggest that the taker should be changed, only for Sterling to step up again, seeing his shot saved by Patricio again before knocking in the rebound.
On the bench it all seemed a bit too much for Guardiola, who could be spotted breathing a sigh of relief and putting his head in his hands next to new assistant Rodolfo Borrell.
With drama like this it's no wonder Mikel Arteta wanted to leave!
