Manchester City opened their campaign with intent, sweeping Wolves aside 4–0 at Molineux on Saturday as Erling Haaland scored twice.
After four straight league titles, City finished a distant third last season and ended an eight-year run of lifting at least one trophy. New arrivals Tijjani Reijnders—outstanding on his Premier League debut—and Rayan Cherki were also on target, offering Pep Guardiola encouragement that his side can rejoin the title race.
“We knew he is a top signing for the coming years for City,” Guardiola said of Reijnders, who arrived from AC Milan for £46.5 million. “Of course we have changed after last season with many injuries and problems—fresh energy this season. It’s quite similar to when I first arrived. We had a lot of players who came when I first arrived… they were outstanding and now the club has to refresh for the next years and be consistent.”
Guardiola made a bold selection amid uncertainty over City’s goalkeeping situation. James Trafford made his first senior appearance for the club after returning for a second spell from Burnley. Ederson was not in the travelling squad amid reports he is close to joining Galatasaray, a move that could see City pursue out-of-favour Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Wolves, among the relegation favourites after losing talisman Matheus Cunha to Manchester United, were ultimately well beaten, though the match might have taken a different turn had they capitalised on City’s shaky start.
“This league is a very difficult league and we need more solutions,” said head coach Vítor Pereira, appealing for reinforcements. “We need help so I hope the club can help us.”
The contest swung decisively in City’s favour with two goals in three minutes, both fashioned by Reijnders’ creativity and threat from midfield. The Dutch international slalomed through the centre before lifting a pass to Rico Lewis, who squared for Haaland to tap in at the back post. Moments later, Oscar Bobb released Reijnders to arrow a precise left-footed finish into the corner.
Trafford had little shot-stopping to do but showcased his distribution to start the move for City’s third: the England goalkeeper cushioned a long pass into Reijnders, who exchanged a one-two with Bobb before cutting the ball back for Haaland’s clinical finish.
Haaland was denied a hat-trick when he made way for Cherki with 17 minutes remaining. Eight minutes later, the Frenchman sealed the rout by finding the bottom corner from outside the area.
Tougher tests await this new-look City—Tottenham, Brighton, Arsenal and Manchester United are next in the league—but the authority of this display was reminiscent of the City of old and will give their rivals plenty to ponder.
