Manchester City launched their Premier League campaign in emphatic fashion on Saturday, dismantling Wolves 4-0 at Molineux, with Erling Haaland scoring twice to remind rivals of his lethal finishing power.
The champions of four consecutive seasons endured a disappointing campaign last term, finishing third and missing out on silverware for the first time in eight years. But Pep Guardiola’s refreshed side signalled their determination to reclaim the title, with new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki also finding the net.
Reijnders, a £46.5 million summer arrival from AC Milan, was the standout performer. He orchestrated the midfield with flair, carving open Wolves’ defence to set up Haaland’s opener before firing home a goal of his own minutes later.
City’s second-half dominance grew as goalkeeper James Trafford, handed his first senior start for the club after returning from Burnley showcased his composure with the ball at his feet, initiating the flowing move that ended with Haaland’s second strike. The Norwegian striker, however, was denied a hat-trick when he was substituted for Cherki, who capped the rout with a fine long-range finish just eight minutes after coming on.
For Wolves, who are tipped to struggle following the departure of Matheus Cunha to Manchester United, the match underscored the gulf in quality. They briefly threatened when Marshall Munetsi’s header found the net, only for it to be ruled out for offside. From then on, City’s class proved overwhelming.
The result also highlighted uncertainty in City’s goalkeeping department. Ederson, left out of the squad amid reports of a looming move to Galatasaray, could be replaced by PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, should Guardiola push for a deal.
With upcoming fixtures against Tottenham, Brighton, Arsenal, and Manchester United, City’s new-look squad faces stern tests. Still, the dominant display against Wolves evoked memories of Guardiola’s relentless sides of old sending an early warning to their title rivals.
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