Manchester City began their pursuit of a seventh Premier League title under the stewardship of Pep Guardiola with a commanding and emphatic 4-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux. It was a performance that not only showcased the ruthless efficiency that has become synonymous with Guardiola’s reign but also hinted at a new era of evolution within the squad. With fresh faces making immediate impacts and established stars reaffirming their class, City looked every bit the title contenders they are expected to be.
The night belonged to Erling Haaland, who continued his prolific form with a brace, but it was the contributions from new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki that truly stole the spotlight. Reijnders, in particular, delivered a performance that was both elegant and incisive, orchestrating play from midfield with a composure that belied his Premier League inexperience. His involvement in both of Haaland’s goals, as well as scoring one himself, marked a dream debut and suggested that City may have unearthed a gem capable of filling the creative void left by Kevin De Bruyne’s absence.
While it may be premature to declare Reijnders the heir to De Bruyne’s throne, the Dutchman’s performance was undeniably promising. His vision, technical ability, and spatial awareness were on full display, and he seemed to slot seamlessly into Guardiola’s intricate tactical framework. The way he floated a lobbed pass over the Wolves defense to Rico Lewis, setting up Haaland’s opener, was a moment of pure ingenuity. Minutes later, he capitalized on a turnover by André Gomes to score with a precise low strike, further cementing his influence on the match.
City’s lineup raised eyebrows even before kickoff. Most notably, James Trafford was handed his debut in goal, with Ederson absent from the squad entirely. Guardiola had recently reaffirmed Ederson’s status as his number one, despite swirling speculation about the Brazilian’s future. The club later clarified that Ederson was sidelined due to gastroenteritis, a bout of illness that kept the 31-year-old out of action. Trafford, however, seized his opportunity with confidence, making key saves and demonstrating maturity beyond his years. His distribution was particularly impressive, including a long ball that initiated the move leading to City’s third goal.
The defensive setup also saw the return of John Stones, making his first appearance since February. His presence added stability and leadership to the backline, while another new recruit, Rayan Aït-Nouri, featured against his former club. Aït-Nouri’s inclusion added an emotional layer to the fixture, especially given the poignant tributes paid by Wolves to their former striker Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in a car accident last month. The atmosphere at Molineux was somber yet respectful, with fans and players alike honoring Jota’s memory throughout the evening.
Despite City’s dominance, Wolves did have fleeting moments of promise. Marshall Munetsi thought he had scored when he headed in a Matt Doherty cross, but the flag was rightly raised for offside. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde also found himself in a promising position, only to be thwarted by another offside call. These moments, while ultimately inconsequential, served as reminders that City’s defense is still a work in progress, especially with new personnel being integrated.
After weathering those brief threats, City took firm control of the match. Reijnders’ brilliance in midfield created space and opportunities, and his chemistry with Oscar Bobb and Rico Lewis was evident. Bobb, another young talent, played a key role in the buildup to Reijnders’ goal, pressing high and winning possession before laying it off for the Dutchman to finish. The fluidity and speed of City’s transitions were too much for Wolves to handle, and the visitors looked increasingly overwhelmed as the game progressed.
Jorgen Strand Larsen had two chances to reduce the deficit after the break, first side-footing narrowly wide and then forcing Trafford into a smart save. But City’s grip on the game tightened once again when Haaland struck his second goal of the night. The move began with Trafford’s pinpoint long ball to Reijnders, who exchanged passes with Bobb on the right flank. Reijnders then surged forward and delivered a precise cutback for Haaland, who swept the ball into the net from the edge of the area with clinical precision.
The final blow came courtesy of Rayan Cherki, who had only been on the pitch for eight minutes when he unleashed a powerful drive from distance. After combining with Nico O’Reilly, Cherki found space and rifled the ball into the bottom corner, sealing a comprehensive away win for the reigning champions. It was a goal that underscored the depth and versatility of Guardiola’s squad, with even late substitutes capable of producing moments of brilliance.
After the match, Guardiola offered a measured assessment of his team’s performance. “The first half was good, the second half no,” he admitted. “The attitude and many, many things were good. In the second half we punished them in transitions but they were better with many moments. But it’s good to improve and to win 4-0.” His comments reflected a desire for continued growth and refinement, even in the wake of a dominant victory.
Guardiola was particularly effusive in his praise for Reijnders. “Tijjani is an exceptional player. He was one of the best in Serie A, his rhythm is unbelievable,” he said. The manager acknowledged that the first game of the season is always unpredictable, especially with limited preseason friendlies, but he was encouraged by the signs of cohesion and quality on display. “To start it is a good result but no more than that,” he concluded, emphasizing the long road ahead in the title race.
Reijnders himself appeared unfazed by the spotlight, speaking with calm confidence in his post-match interview. “I’m always going on to the pitch with a smile. I love playing football, I enjoy every minute on the pitch and that’s what I also want to show the fans,” he told Sky Sports. His enthusiasm and humility were evident, as was his ambition. “We want to win trophies. Last season City didn’t win the Premier League and that is our main goal of course.”
The Dutch midfielder also expressed pride in joining a club of City’s stature. “I know the big names that were in this club and I think it makes me more proud to join Manchester City, to join one of the biggest clubs in the world at the moment. That’s what I want to show, how proud I am to play for this club with a lot of fun and a lot of love.” His words resonated with fans who are eager to see how he develops under Guardiola’s guidance.
As the season unfolds, City’s blend of established stars and emerging talents will be crucial. The integration of players like Reijnders, Cherki, Bobb, and Trafford suggests a strategic shift toward youth and dynamism, without compromising on quality. Guardiola’s ability to evolve his squad while maintaining high standards has been a hallmark of his tenure, and this opening performance was a testament to that philosophy.
Wolves, meanwhile, will need to regroup and find answers quickly. Their inability to pose a consistent threat and their defensive frailties were exposed by a ruthless City side. Yet, amid the disappointment, the tributes to Diogo Jota served as a reminder of the deeper human connections that transcend football. The club and its supporters honored his memory with dignity, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire.
In the end, Manchester City’s 4-0 win was more than just a strong start to the season—it was a statement of intent. With new signings already making their mark and Guardiola’s tactical blueprint as sharp as ever, the champions look poised to mount another formidable title challenge. Whether this blend of youth and experience can sustain the intensity over a grueling campaign remains to be seen, but the early signs are undeniably encouraging.
