Manchester City made an emphatic start to their Premier League campaign with a dominant win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, powered by an Erling Haaland brace and debut goals from Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki. The champions showcased their familiar swagger despite key absentees, leaving fans and rivals with a reminder of their attacking firepower.
After a slow opening spell, City exploded into life midway through the first half. Reijnders, the Dutch midfielder signed to bolster Pep Guardiola’s new-look side, drove through midfield with authority before releasing Rico Lewis, who squared for Haaland to tap in from close range. Within minutes, City struck again as Oscar Bobb pressed high to win possession and slid in Reijnders, who coolly slotted a composed finish into the bottom corner.
Wolves briefly threatened a fightback, with Marshall Munetsi having a header ruled out and Jørgen Strand Larsen spurning chances, but City’s defensive resilience, marshalled by John Stones and debutant goalkeeper James Trafford, ensured the hosts were kept at bay.
The decisive moment came shortly after the hour mark. Trafford launched a long kick which Reijnders controlled smartly before linking up with Bobb. The midfielder’s clever cutback found Haaland on the edge of the box, and the Norwegian rifled a low strike beneath José Sá to make it 3-0.
The final flourish belonged to Rayan Cherki, who entered as a substitute and immediately dazzled. The Frenchman combined beautifully with Nico González and Nico O’Reilly, finishing a fluid move with a precise low shot into the corner for City’s fourth.
While City celebrated a ruthless attacking display, the evening carried deep emotion for Wolves and their supporters. Before kick-off, Molineux paid a heartfelt tribute to former forward Diogo Jota, with a stirring video montage, giant tifo, and his favourite song echoing through the stadium. Players and fans alike joined in the remembrance, underlining the significance of the occasion.
For Guardiola, the victory offered plenty of positives but also a reminder to stay grounded. With Rodri and Phil Foden watching from the stands, competition for places will be fierce once injuries clear. The early signs suggest that City’s summer reinforcements may be ready to drive another charge for silverware.
