Manchester City kicked off their Premier League season with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Wolves at the Etihad Stadium, demonstrating their intent to challenge for the title once again. The match also marked the debut of summer signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki, who immediately made their presence felt in Pep Guardiola’s revamped squad.
Reijnders, brought in to fill the gap left by Kevin De Bruyne’s departure to Napoli, showcased his creativity and goal-scoring ability from the start. He opened the scoring and was pivotal in two further goals, linking midfield play with the attacking line and controlling the tempo in his impressive first outing for the club.
Cherki, introduced as a substitute in the second half, displayed his flair and composure by netting a fine finish just eight minutes after coming on, effectively sealing the win and announcing himself as a player to watch this season in the Premier League.
Erling Haaland continued his unstoppable form, adding two goals to the tally. He struck first in the 34th minute, exploiting defensive lapses from Wolves, and then completed a clinical third early in the second half, leaving the visitors with little hope of a comeback and underscoring his status as one of the league’s most feared forwards.
The victory provided a confident start for Guardiola’s men after a challenging previous season, demonstrating a blend of experience and youthful energy, particularly from the new signings, who adapted seamlessly to City’s attacking style. The team displayed sharp passing, high pressing, and fluid movement, leaving Wolves struggling to retain possession and create meaningful chances.
A moment of concern arose in stoppage time when Nico Gonzalez landed awkwardly following a challenge. Fortunately, he received treatment and was able to continue without further issue, alleviating fears of a potential injury. Meanwhile, Wolves supporters paid homage to former striker Diogo Jota, applauding and chanting his name throughout the match as a mark of respect for his contribution to the club during his tenure.
Overall, Manchester City’s comprehensive 4-0 win not only sent a strong message to their Premier League rivals but also highlighted the immediate impact of their new recruits, setting an optimistic tone for the season ahead. Guardiola will be pleased with the balance of youth and experience, while Wolves will return to the drawing board to address defensive frailties exposed during the match.